Richard Lawrence Starkey

Richard Lawrence Starkey, 87, of Fairgrove, passed away on March 13, 2026, at Heritage Hill Assisted Living in Caro. Born on June 17, 1938, in Saginaw to Everett and Luetta (Cutler) Starkey, he graduated from Fairgrove High School, where he met his beloved wife, Alice. Together they shared 68 years of marriage and raised three children.

Known affectionately as “Dick” to family and friends and “Farmer” in his later years, Richard farmed the land for more than 65 years alongside his sons. He possessed a gift for conversation and never met a stranger, always ready to lend a hand to others. He served as president of the Farm Bureau, was a member of the Extension Club, the Jaycees, and the Fairgrove Bean Festival Committee. An avid athlete throughout his life, he enjoyed basketball, shuffleboard, waterskiing, tennis, bowling, golfing, and polka dancing with Alice. The couple cherished many winters at their Florida home and created countless memories at their cabin up north.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice; daughter Debbie; son Larry (Laura) Starkey; grandchildren Christa (Lamont) Starkey-Brown and Robert Starkey; and great-grandchildren Brycen and Everleigh. He was preceded in death by his son Terry, his parents Everett and Luetta Starkey, and his in-laws Floyd and Fannie Garrison.