John W. Starnes

STARNES, John W. - age 92 of Swartz Creek, passed away on March 13, 2025. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest, with military honors, at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Great Lakes National Cemetery located at 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan.

The world lost a great man who loved and supported his family like no other. John passed quietly at home after a brief illness. . A lot of people knew him as “Big John” or the “Garage Door Man.” John was born October 28, 1932 in Monroe, North Carolina to the late Jeff and Mae (Griffin) Starnes. John’s caring character shown through when he joined the Army and sent all his paychecks home to help his family. John was proud of his Korean War service in the 1st Calvary and loved his country. He married his beloved wife, Rachel, after meeting her upon his return from the war. He had the upmost respect for his children and would often brag, in his humble way, about his son, Douglas, who followed his footsteps by joining the military becoming an elite top gun fighter pilot in United States Air Force. His son, Edward, shared his love of automobiles. John was proud of him becoming a quality engineer at General Motors/Delphi and enjoyed keeping up on the latest GM happenings. Like all fathers, John had a special place for his little girl, Kathy. Or as he always said when they parted, “I love you darling". Kathy went from reporter to editor/writer to a public servant. John loved talking politics and was not afraid to share his opinions. John was very close to his sister, Linda Helms, and looked forward to her weekly check-ins and keeping up with his nieces and nephews. He looked forward to Ricky’s BBQ and talking to his nieces, Sylvia and Joyce.

John retired from GM Truck and Bus in 1987 and continued working his business, Starnes Garage Door Service, he started in 1972 until he retired at the age of 91 at which time he passed his ladders and tools to his son-in-law to continue the business. He was known for his honesty and willingness to work whatever the day, the time, or the weather. John never rested and if he was not working, he was in his yard mowing or tending to his large garden. He remained a country boy at heart and could often be seen on his tractor. Heaven will now have an automatic opener on its front gate and the best-looking lawn. We love and will miss you John.

John will be greatly missed by his survivors:

Douglas (Robbyn) Starnes, son; Ed (Lori) Starnes, son; Kathy (Douglas) Funk, daughter; and his grandchildren Eric, Bradley, Lindsay Miller, Sarah (Jeremy) Swartz, Steven (Elizabeth), and Adam Funk and his great-grandchildren, Kali and Carter Swartz; sister, Linda Helms, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Ruth Ann, wife Rachel, and siblings Aileen, Marie, Howard, Will, and Carl.

John was also known for his love of dogs and had a special affinity for beagles. He will now be playing ball with his beloved pets “Super” Josh, Spanky, Darla, and Beau.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to McLaren Hospice for their care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org) or Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).