Olan Eugene Starnes (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Olan Eugene Starnes, son of John L. and Esther Enyart Starnes, was born April 12, 1931, near Brownfield, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, December 13, 2012, in Mercy Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-one years, eight months, and one day.
On July 31, 1967, he was united in marriage to Margaret Thelma Steward Starnes, and they shared forty-two years before her passing on August 1, 2009.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a grandson; four brothers; and one sister.
Olan is survived by his children, Charles Starnes, of Milford, Nebraska, Barbara Williams, and her husband, Johnny, Carol Decker, and her husband, Don, and Mary Decker, and her husband, Kenny, all of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Sherri Hicks, Craig Decker, and Tommy Decker; nine great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; one great-great-granddaughter; one great-great-grandson; a sister, Gladys Bingham, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Starnes, of La Porte, Indiana, and Marie Steward, of Dixon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives, special neighbors, caregivers, and friends.
He was born and raised in the Brownfield community, and attended school there. After he and Thelma were married, they continued to live in the Brownfield community for several years. Later, they moved into Lebanon and made their home. Olan worked as a welder and in the maintenance department at Cambarloc Engineering and Manufacturing Company for many years.
Olan had professed his faith in Christ and was a member of Crossroads Freewill Baptist Church. After moving into Lebanon, he and Thelma attended Grace Baptist Church in Lebanon.
He was an avid gardener and could grow the best vegetables and the most beautiful flowers. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed all of his grandchildren.
Olan was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
What’s your fondest memory of Olan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Olan?
Share a story where Olan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Olan you’ll never forget.
How did Olan make you smile?
