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Charles Chuck Albert Starr, 79, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2003 of failing health due to emphysema. Chuck is survived by his friend, devoted companion and wife, Esther Feeler Starr; three daughters, Sharon Starr Brown, Cindy Starr Phillips and Susan Starr; two granddaughters, Casey Starr Phillips and Lindsey Phillips, whom he cherished; brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Columbus P. Brown of Clint, TX; and three sons-in-law, Nick Brown, Paul Phillips and Dave Szabo. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine Starr; and sister, Dixie Brown. Chuck was born April 21, 1923 in Centralia, IL. He grew up as a nomad in the oil field camps of Illinois with his father and grandfather, who ran cable tool drilling rigs. This lifestyle underpinned Chuck's quest for adventure as he went through life. He moved to El Paso, TX during his teenage years where he lived with his mother, aunt and uncle where they ran a home for tuberculosis patients. Chuck's first independent adventure was at the tender age of 14 when he seized an opportunity to go to California and sell magazines. Fortunately he was befriended by a benevolent policeman who bought him a ticket back to El Paso. Chuck served in the Merchant Marines in the Pacific during WWII, traveling everywhere from South America, to the Philippines, to Alaska. He loved to tell the story of meeting up with his mother, Panamafor a few brief hours as his ship passed through the Panama Canal. Chuck returned to California after the war where he met and married his first wife, Josephine Svecko Starr. He, along with Josephine and their young family pursued many job interests, fueled by Chuck's entrepreneurial spirit. He was milkman to the stars in Hollywood, delivered mobile homes throughout the country, delivered bread in Chicago, owned a gas station in El Paso, held sales jobs with Sears and a car dealer in Albuquerque and finally owned a mobile home business for many years in Albuquerque prior to retirement in 1983. Chuck's early lessons in life underpinned his business philosophy. He was an honest, principled businessman who cared about colleagues and clients and who had a fundamental trust in people. He will be missed by his family, friends, business associates and clients. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at 3:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel. Following the services, a gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 10101 Montgomery Blvd. NE. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400
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