Calvin Lee Starke, 70, received his angel wings on the evening of Thursday, November 7th, 2024 surrounded by his family and a room full of angels anxiously waiting to take him home.
Calvin, affectionately referred to as "Ole Cal" by all that knew him, was born on April 22nd, 1954, in St. Joseph, Missouri and resided there until the time of his passing. He graduated from Benton High School in 1972 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he became a member of the color guard and served his country proudly. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Ezzell, in the fall of 1974 and they spent 23 wonderful years together and remained lifelong friends after separating in 1997. They had 3 beautiful girls during that time-Tiffany, Melissa, and Elizabeth, their pride and joy.
Cal was a diehard Chiefs fan, lover of classic rock, and an avid collector of eagles and patriotic memorabilia. He was often the life of the party-and was always ready to sip on a Bacardi and Coke, dance, sing, and have a good time. He was a great friend to many, and when you were around Ole Cal, there was no such thing as a stranger.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Beverly Starke, his brother, Paul Starke, and his daughter, Melissa Throckmorton. He is survived by his former wife, Jeanette Starke, daughters, Tiffany Starke and Elizabeth (Joshua) Hamilton, sister, Lisa (Michael) Warren, brother, Darrin Starke, grandchildren, Emily Bowman, Haley McKee, Noah Throckmorton, Kendal Starke, Kaiden Throckmorton, Evelyn Hamilton, great-grandchild Liam Shores and 2 new grand babies, a grandson and great-granddaughter due in December 2024.
Ole Cal was one of a kind and will be missed by many. It is our hope that his spunk and spirit will continue to live on through those that loved him so deeply and that his light will always shine. He is finally as free as a bird now and that bird you cannot change. May his memory be eternal.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
