Walter Russell Starkey

Walter Russell Starkey, 89

GRAY- Walter Russell Starkey, 89, formally of Gray, past from this life to the next from a Scarborough hospice on October 18th, 2022.

Walter “Walt” was the son of Charles and Myrna Starkey of Auburn.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, GG, uncle and friend to all that crossed his path. His quick wit, winning smile and sense of humor will be sadly missed.

He graduated from Edward Little High School where he played baseball for the Red Eddie’s. He enlisted in the US Airforce in 1952 and served as a radar technician during the Korean War at the US airbase in Okinawa, Japan. This is where Walt discovered his love for flying. Using the GI bill to fund his flying lessons he not only become a pilot but a certified multi-engine flight instructor.  He spent weekends teaching new and existing pilots their skills at the Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport. He also led the squadron as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol that flew out of that airspace. Wanting to share his love for flying to the younger generation, he created what was the first 4H Club flight school “The Flying 4H”.

But Walt’s real love was his family and friends. He married his high school sweetheart June Marie Andrews in 1958 and soon after started his family in Portland, Maine.  

Moving to an old farmhouse in West Falmouth in the early 60’s gave him the space to raise his family and explore many of his other passions, such as, breeding German Shepherds, owning horses and sharing the house and barn with everything from cats to rabbits and even a pet skunk.  Evenings were spent playing pick-up baseball games with the neighborhood kids and playing his guitar. Walt was very active in the community as a member of the Jaycees, Lions Club and West Falmouth Baptist Church. Later in life, along with his wife June, they would play Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus for local events and charities. His real-life white beard and heartwarming smile convinced many a kids that the spirit of Christmas was truly real.

Walt started his professional career as an office machine repairman and moved into the role of sales a few years after. He soon become one of the most successful salespersons at Lanier Worldwide winning over 20 company trips taking him and June to many wonderful places such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, England, and more.   

After losing June to cancer in 2004, Walt relied on his faith, family and humor to get him through the day. Then God brought Claudia Morin into his life. A true partner and love.  She and Walt spent many a winter’s in Florida traveling back and forth in their Class A mobile home and summers at home in New Gloucester. Claudia’s children and grand kids soon became part of his extended family. They filled his days with more smiles and memories. Their love and support has been greatly appreciated.

Walt is preceded in death by his wife, June Marie Starkey and Son James Starkey and his sister Charlene Starkey. He survived by his sister Brenda Cadman, son Thomas Starkey and wife Colleen, Daughter Belinda Merrill and husband Bill, son Walter Starkey Jr. and wife Arika, and son Scott Starkey. Walt has 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and will be missed by many nieces and nephews from all families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 24 Shaker Rd, Gray , ME on Friday November 4th from 6-7:30 PM.  The family encourages all who knew Walt to attend and share a memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of Southern Maine.

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