Frank H. Starr
Born: November 10, 1931 ~ Died: December 24, 2010
Frank Henry Starr was born on November 10th, 1931 in Los Angeles CA. He was the only child of Frank and Mary Starr. Frank and parents moved to Texas when Frank was an infant and then to a ranch in Cuba New Mexico a few years later. Frank loved the ranch so much he always claimed to be from there instead of L.A. He would often tell tales about his hard life in New Mexico but always dreamed of returning there someday. It was here in this gorgeous but rugged land that Frank developed his love of ranching, hunting, trapping with his mom, and existing in the great outdoors. Frank loved the simple life and never missed an opportunity to be outdoors.
Frank honorably served his country in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return from Korea he and his mom settled in the Lovelock Valley where they bought the Alvis ranch in upper valley and farmed for a time. While doing handyman work around town Frank met the love of his life Margaret, and they were married in 1954. Frank and Margaret then moved to Tungsten where Frank was employed at the mine. While there Frank and Marge welcomed two children, Jimmy and Gala.
Along with the growing family came the need to find a more fulfilling job, and so began the next phase of his life. Frank was hired at Pershing County School District in December 1957 as a custodian. More notably for him, he drove the school bus, a job he cherished until the day poor health forced him to retire. He was a custodian of the High School until 1993 but remained driving school bus until 2000 driving thousands of students around the country. He missed driving all of his “kids” to his very last day.
Over the course of 42 years he never had an accident or ticket and was honored for his safe driving record on a segment of KOLO’S John Tyson’s Journal, something he was extremely proud of. Most of Frank’s bus students and coaching staff have very fond memories of their beloved (favorite) driver. During this phase of his life he and his wife Margaret also welcomed another daughter, Julie into the family.
Frank also held part time jobs in the community usually starting his work day at 3:00 a.m. and not finishing until returning from his “late” bus runs. Some of his jobs included, cleaning the Western Club, Sun Café & Bar, window washing, and helping other custodians around town by filling in for them when they were gone, and of course eagerly filling in for bus drivers who needed to be gone. He and Margaret even opened a restaurant, The Sandwich Shop, where locals were treated to delicious food, coffee, and conversation with friends. It was common to see Frank filling coffee cups between jobs, and helping Marge figure and cook the today’s special. In his day Frank made a mean chili.
Frank’s love of the outdoors was passed on to his family especially his son Jimmy. Frank’s favorite sport was fishing in any one of the little creeks in the county with Indian Creek topping that list. Many an hour was spent trying to teach his kids how to catch those little brook trout, and then frying them up right there in the pan with butter accompanied by a fresh brewed cup of sweet coffee. Nothing could possibly taste better than that! Jimmy would take off on his own trying to catch the most fish while Gala, too terrified of rattlesnakes, would tag along with their dad, who had a fishing pole in one hand and Julie under the other arm. Not a fair competition but, Yep – Frank knew how to live! His children loved every minute of it.
Frank loved his family and although he was the best husband, and father anyone could wish for, he was the most awesome grandpa & great grandpa ever, giving love, advise, and instilling exemplary morals and values to everyone in the family. Anyone who was privileged to know Frank knew him as an honest, kind, hard working friend.
Frank had his share of hardships as well, but the worst included losing his infant granddaughter Ashley. Shortly after Frank was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009 he also lost his beloved son Jimmy. In one short year, Frank lost his son, had surgery to remove his esophagus, fell and broke his pelvis, had numerous infections and bleeding issues, and ultimately succumbed to his cancer on Christmas Eve 2010.
Frank is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters; Gala & husband David Fecht; Julie & husband Shaun Terry, and Daughter in law Kim Starr.
He has 11 grandchildren: Lisa Jensen, Jeremy Starr, Deanna Hernandez, Grace Starr Millard (deceased), and Kathryn Starr – Jim’s children. Russell Fecht, Steven Fecht, and Shari Fecht Widmer – Gala’s children. Also Ashley Starr (deceased), Erika Terry, and Matthew Terry – Julie’s children.
His 18 great grandchildren include; Ryann, Jared, & Sydney Jensen; Tegon, Nolan, and Ava Starr; Tomas, Kayla, Wyatt, Alexandra & Cassandra Hernandez; Marcus, Troy & Chloe Sanders; Timothy & Conner Fecht; Autumn Fecht; and Reagan Widmer.
We look for heroes in this world
And they’re very hard to find
Except for our dear dad
You were there all the time
And now you are in Heaven
We know that this is true
Because our Lord & Savior
Needs a Hero too
Frank honorably served his country in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return from Korea he and his mom settled in the Lovelock Valley where they bought the Alvis ranch in upper valley and farmed for a time. While doing handyman work around town Frank met the love of his life Margaret, and they were married in 1954. Frank and Margaret then moved to Tungsten where Frank was employed at the mine. While there Frank and Marge welcomed two children, Jimmy and Gala.
Along with the growing family came the need to find a more fulfilling job, and so began the next phase of his life. Frank was hired at Pershing County School District in December 1957 as a custodian. More notably for him, he drove the school bus, a job he cherished until the day poor health forced him to retire. He was a custodian of the High School until 1993 but remained driving school bus until 2000 driving thousands of students around the country. He missed driving all of his “kids” to his very last day.
Over the course of 42 years he never had an accident or ticket and was honored for his safe driving record on a segment of KOLO’S John Tyson’s Journal, something he was extremely proud of. Most of Frank’s bus students and coaching staff have very fond memories of their beloved (favorite) driver. During this phase of his life he and his wife Margaret also welcomed another daughter, Julie into the family.
Frank also held part time jobs in the community usually starting his work day at 3:00 a.m. and not finishing until returning from his “late” bus runs. Some of his jobs included, cleaning the Western Club, Sun Café & Bar, window washing, and helping other custodians around town by filling in for them when they were gone, and of course eagerly filling in for bus drivers who needed to be gone. He and Margaret even opened a restaurant, The Sandwich Shop, where locals were treated to delicious food, coffee, and conversation with friends. It was common to see Frank filling coffee cups between jobs, and helping Marge figure and cook the today’s special. In his day Frank made a mean chili.
Frank’s love of the outdoors was passed on to his family especially his son Jimmy. Frank’s favorite sport was fishing in any one of the little creeks in the county with Indian Creek topping that list. Many an hour was spent trying to teach his kids how to catch those little brook trout, and then frying them up right there in the pan with butter accompanied by a fresh brewed cup of sweet coffee. Nothing could possibly taste better than that! Jimmy would take off on his own trying to catch the most fish while Gala, too terrified of rattlesnakes, would tag along with their dad, who had a fishing pole in one hand and Julie under the other arm. Not a fair competition but, Yep – Frank knew how to live! His children loved every minute of it.
Frank loved his family and although he was the best husband, and father anyone could wish for, he was the most awesome grandpa & great grandpa ever, giving love, advise, and instilling exemplary morals and values to everyone in the family. Anyone who was privileged to know Frank knew him as an honest, kind, hard working friend.
Frank had his share of hardships as well, but the worst included losing his infant granddaughter Ashley. Shortly after Frank was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009 he also lost his beloved son Jimmy. In one short year, Frank lost his son, had surgery to remove his esophagus, fell and broke his pelvis, had numerous infections and bleeding issues, and ultimately succumbed to his cancer on Christmas Eve 2010.
Frank is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters; Gala & husband David Fecht; Julie & husband Shaun Terry, and Daughter in law Kim Starr.
He has 11 grandchildren: Lisa Jensen, Jeremy Starr, Deanna Hernandez, Grace Starr Millard (deceased), and Kathryn Starr – Jim’s children. Russell Fecht, Steven Fecht, and Shari Fecht Widmer – Gala’s children. Also Ashley Starr (deceased), Erika Terry, and Matthew Terry – Julie’s children.
His 18 great grandchildren include; Ryann, Jared, & Sydney Jensen; Tegon, Nolan, and Ava Starr; Tomas, Kayla, Wyatt, Alexandra & Cassandra Hernandez; Marcus, Troy & Chloe Sanders; Timothy & Conner Fecht; Autumn Fecht; and Reagan Widmer.
We look for heroes in this world
And they’re very hard to find
Except for our dear dad
You were there all the time
And now you are in Heaven
We know that this is true
Because our Lord & Savior
Needs a Hero too