Kenneth L. Starnes (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Kenneth Larry Starnes, son of William and Ethel Randolph Starnes, was born April 4, 1931, near Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, May 8, 2011, in Christian Health Care South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, one month, and four days.
On May 4, 1979, he was united in marriage to Betty Lee Henson, and they shared the last thirty-two years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Dean and Eldon Starnes.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; a stepson, Tim Jemes, and his wife, Dawn, of Lebanon, Missouri; three step-grandchildren, Scott, Kimberly, and Johnathon Jemes; five step-great-grandchildren, Brianna, Joni, Lucas, Kylie, and Riley; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Laclede County, Missouri, and had many fond memories of his dad operating the mill near Dry Nob. As a young man, he entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the Navy on February 12, 1954, he lived in California for a brief time before returning to the Lebanon area. For most of his life he owned and operated a cattle farm and loved raising cattle. He managed the sale barn at one time. He also worked as a sales representative for the Double Cola, Pepsi, and Kitty Clover Companies for many years.
Kenneth had professed his faith in Christ and attended Mount Olivet Assembly of God Church, near Lebanon. He was a dedicated reader of the Bible.
He was a longtime member of the Lebanon Moose Lodge. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, reading Western novels, and playing cribbage. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Kenneth’s family would like to thank Dr. Osama Assafeen and the staff of Christian Health Care South for their special care during his illness.
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