Eli Thomas Starr

He was a resident of Manchaca for nearly 20 years, and Texas resident for over 40 years.

Born February 21, 1936 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Eli spent a majority of his youth in Chicago, Illinois. Eli loved fishing, football, the Bible, and his kids. He was known to be a fairly quiet, but wise man. To most, Eli was a gentle soul that liked to keep things light-hearted and silly as much as possible. Starr proudly served in the US Marine Corps from 1956-1959. You would always catch him wearing a USMC shirt or cap, or sipping coffee from a USMC mug.

Eli also took great pride in being a servant to the Lord, and successfully graduated salutatorian from Chicago's Moody Bible Institute in 1969 as an Ordained Baptist Minister with an Advanced Teacher's Certificate. From 1970-1981, Starr served in the Baptist ministry, and in the early 1970s, relocated his family to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he went on to build, establish, and lead a new church, Fellowship Baptist Church. Additionally, he went on to guest-speak at many other congregations throughout the Midwest & Rocky Mountain regions.

In the 80s-90s, Starr transitioned into a tradesman, which relocated him to Duncan, Oklahoma, and soon after, Seminole, Texas. He worked as a pipefitter, as well as a maintenance foreman for nearly 20 years before retiring in 1997.

Eli Thomas Starr was the father of 6 children. One girl (the oldest) and five boys. His former wife, Sherry, would agree with him in sharing that the one thing they were most proud of in their lives are their children.

Eli Thomas Starr is survived by his daughter, Laurie, and his sons, David, Jason, Michael, and Phillip, plus their respective families which includes 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and their dogs. He is preceded in death by his mother Kathe(Oma), his brother, Jerry, and his oldest son, Scott.

Since 1998, Eli has lived with his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Darlene. This trio (and all their pets over the years) remained an intact, tight family unit for nearly three decades! In late 2005, Michael, Darlene, and Eli relocated to Manchaca, outside of Austin. The following year, they built Eli his own home on the property by converting a former workshop into a guesthouse they would informally call, "The DadPad." It is a special spot because family, friends, and neighbors all lent a hand in helping it come to life. The "DadPad" served as Eli's home and refuge throughout his golden years, and he couldn't have been more proud of the love and life he enjoyed there.

No formal funeral arrangements will be made at this time, but those inquiring are welcome to reach out to Michael & Darlene.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Eli's family encourages everyone to make a point to spend quality time with the seniors in their life. Pick up the phone to let them know you're thinking about them, or surprise them with an in-person visit. Spread joy. That's what Eli Starr would want.