Donald Paul Starnes passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on July 11, 1944, in Webster County, Mississippi, to Mr. Cay Starnes and Mrs. Addie McBride Starnes. Don married his wife of 57 years, Bettie Livingston Starnes, on May 21, 1966. He attended Evergreen Baptist Church.
Mr. Starnes was a 1962 graduate of Weir Attendance Center. In 1965, he proudly joined the United States Air Force and was deployed in 1968 during the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart. After returning home, Don continued a career in the military serving in both the United States Air Force and the Mississippi Air National Guard. During that time he received many certifications and degrees, as well as many accolades for his time of service.
After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to many places including his favorite place to visit, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Don filled much of his time with his grandsons as they were his pride and joy. When he was not traveling or spending time with family, he was doing his favorite pastimes of drinking coffee, reading, watching westerns, or cutting grass.
Funeral services for Mr. Starnes will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 10 AM at Nowell Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Robin Risher officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Mr. Starnes is survived by his wife, Bettie Livingston Starnes; two sons, Paul (Tracie) and David (Emily); three grandsons, Cole, Chance, and Dillan; two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Harper; sisters, Opal Prewitt of Texas, Mamie Dickerson of Ackerman, and Saundra Wright of Ackerman; and brothers, Howard Starnes of Louisiana and Bill Starnes of Ackerman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vera Lois Henderson, Mildred Ballard, Eunice Crittenden, Barbara Starnes, Bessie McMillian, and Mary Ann Hirose; and brothers, Harold Starnes, Larry Starnes, and Randy Starnes.
Serving as pallbearers are Chance Starnes, Dillan Starnes, Ricky Patterson, Otis Shelley, Jerome Blanton, and Danny Richardson. Honorary pallbearers are Walter Ed Pugh, Donald Nunn, Tommy D. Rives, Jay Rives, and the members of the Mine and Yours Hunting Club.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
