JOPLIN, MO — David W. Starnes, age 57, of Joplin, Mo., passed away at 5:33 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at his home following an eight month battle with cancer.
David was born Dec. 8, 1954, in Vernon, Texas.
David retired in 1998, as Command Master Chief of Naval Ordinance Test Unit with the U.S. Navy in Cape Canaveral, Fla. He served as a submariner most of his 25-year career. His last submarine assignment was as Chief of the Boat of the USS Stonewall Jackson in Charleston, S.C. Following his military career, David worked in the field of quality assurance, most recently as quality manager for TEI, Joplin.
David attended Christ’s Church of Joplin. He was a true patriot, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a man of great integrity.
David is survived by his wife, Teresa Ex Starnes, who he married Sept. 1, 1991, in Charleston.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Arbaugh and husband, Robert, Summerville, S.C., and Ashley Starnes, Tulsa, Okla.; a son, Christopher Starnes, Joplin; his mother, Bernice Starnes, Electra, Texas; one brother, Eddy Starnes, Iowa Park, Texas; one sister, Donnia Lattimer, Iowa Park; and three grandchildren, Harley and Savanna Arbaugh and Abigail Collie. He was preceded in death by his father, G. W. Starnes.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary with Kenneth McNinch officiating. U.S. Navy personnel will perform Military Honors. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary, of Joplin.
Online condolences may be made at www.masonwoodard.com
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