Marion F. Starr

Marion F. Starr, age 87, of Loose Creek, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia, surrounded by his loving family.

Marion was born on July 2, 1936, in Brunswick, a son to the late Earl and Rose (Stundebeck) Starr.

Marion was a1954 graduate of Brunswick High School.   He also graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in music education.  He went back to college at CMSU and earned his master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling and obtained his Education Specialist Degree in Guidance and Career Development.  

On November 9, 1968, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Struemph at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg. Marilyn survives at their home.

Marion was employed at Fatima High School as the Director of Music from 1958 to 1967.  He later went to work for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and served as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisor of Guidance Services, Coordinator of Career Development, Assistant Director of Guidance Services and prior to retirement, he was serving as State Director of Guidance/Career development.  After he retired, he served as an Education Consultant in the South Pacific working with Departments of Education in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

Marion was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek, where he served as Choir Director from 1978 until 2015, he was also a Eucharistic Minister.  He and Marilyn were also involved with Boy Scouts-Troop 76 and Pack 76 in Loose Creek for 34 years.  Marion served as Webelo Den Leader, Assistant Scout Master, Scout Master for approximately 14 years, Committee Chairman and Eagle Scout Advancement Coordinator. He was also a member of the Loose Creek Knights of Columbus Council #2027, where he served as Deputy Grand Knight and later Grand Knight. A member of Msgr. Ralph Kutz Fourth Degree Assembly #2811, where he served as Faithful Navigator and was on the Honor Guard team.  He later served for 5 years, as the District Deputy for the Missouri State Knights of Columbus.

Marion enjoyed woodworking, needlework, landscaping projects, boating, camping and gardening.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Marion is survived by his four children,  Douglas (Pamela) Starr of Centertown, Gary (Janie) Starr of Jefferson City, James (Christy) Starr of Boonville, and Melissa (Bruce) Kampeter of Westphalia; eight grandchildren, Joseph, Jessica, Claire, Kate, Hank, Josie, Samuel and Gemma; two sisters, Ellen (Robert) Beaver of Marceline and Ruth (Larry) Anderson of Liberty; sister-in-law, Barbara Starr of Liberty, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Marion was preceded in death by one brother, Ted Starr.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant.  Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery.     

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek or Msgr. Ralph Kutz Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly #2811.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214) 

www.mortonchapel.com