Henry Olin Starks, 81, of Hutchinson, passed December 25, 2020, at Hospice House. After a brave battle with heart disease, with his wife and children at his side, Henry peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord. He was born on March 23, 1939, the son of Pierce and Elsie Starks of Arlington, Kansas.
In 1957, Henry graduated from Arlington High School.
On June 28, 1964, Henry married Mary Starks, the daughter of Paul and Viola Starks of Hutchinson. He was a loving and supportive husband.
From 1961 to 1966, Henry served his country as a Marine, willing to lay down his life to keep his country free and at peace. In 2000, he retired from Eaton Manufacturing, where he worked as a machinist for 40 years. From 2001 to 2010, Henry served his county by driving a bus for Reno County Area Transit Service. He was a skilled craftsman. Henry enjoyed doing upholstery work in his home-based shop for 25 years. He also found joy in woodworking, cooking and sewing. Henry was a faithful member of Hope Church, formally First Assembly of God, for 50 years.
He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Mary; daughter, Condi Starks (JR Edwards), son, Curt Starks, all of Hutchinson; three sisters, Jessie Lewis of Venice, Florida, Claudia Albright of Pretty Prairie, Juanita Zink (Rick) of Arlington; one brother, Dean Starks (Debbie) of Hutchinson; nine grandchildren, Amanda Wille (Diana Tait), Lorain, Ohio, Mark Wille, Hutchinson, Katie Marcum (Jairus), Lyons, Clint Wille (Carmen), Nickerson, Heather Wyatt (Leroy), Grace Starks, Christopher Maldonado, Thomas Maldonado, Michael Maldonado, all of Hutchinson; seven great-grandchildren, Gabe, Eli and Lyla Marcum, Brylee Wyatt, Lillian, Simon and Hannah Wille; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dannie Starks and sister, Ruth Powell.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Hope Church, 1701 North Main, Hutchinson, Kansas, with Reverend Kendall Sheats officiating. Henry will be interred at Fairlawn Burial Park following the service. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Those wishing to view the service online may do so by visiting the Hope Church Facebook page. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice House of Reno County for the excellent care and support they gave Henry.
Henry loved his Lord, his Family and his Country, and served them with all of his heart and soul. We will miss his laughter, but his love has been so deeply ingrained into our hearts that it will live on until we meet him again.
Memorials are suggested to Hope Church or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.