James ‘Ken’ Starnes (1929-2015)

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FARMINGTON – James “Ken” Starnes, 86, passed away in his sleep on Nov. 23, 2015 at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center in Farmington.

James Starnes
James Starnes

He was born on March 29, 1929 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, the son of Roy Starnes and Eddie Smith Starnes. He attended Walnut Ridge School in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. On June 18, 1988, he married Rebecca Stevens in Casco.

Ken owned his own business, Ken’s Body Shop, in Wilton for 30 years. For five years in the 1960s, Ken operated the gondolas at Sugarloaf. He was a member of the VFW and the Sons of Amvets in Jay and the Country Classic Car Club in Farmington. Ken raised Boxer dogs and his dog Brutus was his best friend. They were inseparable for nine years. Ken had a special passion for restoring antique cars and together with Becky, they collected and rebuilt many of them, including his 1935 Ford Coupe.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Starnes; his two children, son Dale Starnes and wife Georgette, daughter, Sonya Dearborn and husband Richard; his four grandchildren, Joshua Starnes, Kristy Starnes, Kylie Shaw and Alex Shaw; his five great grandchildren; his two step children, Kim Serber and husband Chris, Scott McAuley and wife Amy; his four step grandchildren, Addison and Lilah Serber, Alexandra and Benjamin McAuley; his sister, Patricia Hardcastle; and, his brother, Ronald Sullivan.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Sandra Kay Starnes; his parents; his step father, Jick Sullivan; his sisters, Nancy Pinkham, Jamie Cleamer and Glenda Faulkner.

Donations in Ken’s memory may be sent to the Activity Fund at Edgewood Living Center, 221 Fairbanks Road, Farmington, ME 04938.

Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. Immediately following there will be a graveside service at the Village Cemetery in Strong, with Pastor Brian Rebert officiating.

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13 Comments

  1. We sure had some fun times the four of us. Times we’ll never forget.. May you RIP Ken (brother-in-law).

  2. Becky, I am so sorry for our loss. Ken was such a hoot and I for 1 will surely miss his sense of humor. I didn’t know Ken for a long time,but caring for him was such a treat. Never complained, and always a thank you when you were done. I’ll miss him and his smile. Hugs and Kisses to you and his family. Wendy CNA

  3. So very sorry for your loss, Sonya. Such a difficult time for you and your family. Your Dad was always very friendly and I loved the hint of his southern roots in his voice.
    Our condolences, Joan and Jim

  4. Thinking of you Sonya, Richard and family. Was not fortunate enough to have known him but he has a lovely daughter which speaks volumes for his character. Our condolences Sonya and family. The Jordan Family

  5. Ken provided lots of antique car fun as well as help, advice, and repairs to keep ’em going. The old Country Classics Car Club was a much stronger organization because of his efforts. He and Dale came by to visit a little while back. Sure glad they did. Thanks, Dale

  6. Becky
    Sorry to hear of Kens passing. May thoughts and prayers be with you and your family. Sheri

  7. Sonya, please accept our thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a very good man. Love and prayers, Terry Newell Wills and family

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