Gary L. Starbird USN (Ret.)

Capt. Gary L. Starbird USN (Ret), 75, of Dover KS passed away on Thurs. night, January 17, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka KS. Gary was born in Christ Hospital in Topeka KS on Aug. 30, 1937. He lived and attended grade school and high school in Willard, Rossville and Dover KS. He graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville CA in 1955 and continued on to receive a BA in English at San Francisco University. Gary enlisted in the Navy in November 1956. After boot camp he came up the ranks thru the NAV-CAD program and began his career in naval aviation. He is a Vietnam veteran. He was Executive Officer of Attack Squadron VA-"Champs" July '74 - September '75, and Commanding Officer September '75 until December '75 on the USS Midway. He was one of the elite 1000 Trap Club Members and was respected by all who knew and worked with him. He was considered by colleagues as “The aviators’ aviator". Capt. Starbird retired his last command with the National Airborne Emergency Command Post in 1984 after a 27 year career. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, gunsmithing and reloading. He loved his college football and basketball, especially the Jayhawks. (Rock Chalk!) He was also actively involved in Quail Unlimited and the NRA. Gary was married to Kathryn Hartman, in September 1959, for 9 years. To this union, two children were born, Andy Starbird and Stephanie Starbird-Kramer. Gary was married to Life Starbird, August 1968, for 12 years. From this union, there were two boys, Jason Starbird and Zackary Starbird. They all survive. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kiefer and Conner Starbird, Grace and Clay Kramer, Ashley, Joshua, and Zack Starbird and Katia & Kaylee Starbird; and great-grandsons, Alex and Jason Starbird. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Starbird, his father, Delbert Starbird and his sister, Dixie Starbird. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday Jan 25th at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 26th at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Dover Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NRA, sent in care of the funeral home.

Gary L. Starbird USN (Ret.)

January 1, 1753 - January 25, 2013