John J. Starr

John J. Starr, 86, passed away Monday, November 30, 2009 in Dumas. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 5, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church. Private burial for the family will be held at Northlawn Memorial Gardens with flag detail by American Legion Post 224 of Dumas. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors. John J. Starr was born April 8, 1923 in Pueblo, Colorado to John William and Nellie Ann Starr. He served in the US Army during WW II. On May 24, 1947 he married Lydia Alayon at Colorado Springs. She preceded him in death on February 27, 2004. He worked as a clerk for Colorado Interstate Gas for 45 years before his retirement. He was a member of VFW Post 9022 in Dumas and enjoyed belonging to the Senior Citizen Center. John had been a member of the Lions Club since 2006. He and his selling partner sold more fund raising tickets than other club members for several years. For this they received the Melvin Jones Award in 2008. He had been a resident of Dumas since 1953 and was member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kayla. Survivors include; sons, Paul Starr of Dallas, and Russell Bart Starr and wife, Jackie of Lubbock; daughter, Linda Ballard of Canyon; son, Manuel Franco and wife, Risa of Dumas; brother, James D. Starr of Woodland Park, CO; sister Nesta Zoe of Stockton, CA; grandchildren, Shawn, Laurie, Kasey, Jon-Michael, Shannon, Derek, Grant and Jackson; and 7 great-grandchildren. The family suggest memorials be to a favorite charity. The family will be at 1206 Walnut in Dumas.