Harold Ray Starr

Harold Ray Starr, 89, of Carthage, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at 6:41 PM at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Il.

Harold was born February 10,1935, in Keokuk, IA. He was the youngest son of S. Cleophus and Florence (Bolton) Starr of Hamilton, IL. He graduated from Hamilton high school in 1953 where he served as the class president. He played football in high school and his love of sports stayed with him his entire life and he and Joyce were named Carthage Sports Boosters Fans of the Year in 2006/2007. He was united in marriage to Joyce Lane on June 14, 1958, in her parent’s home in West Point, IL. Harold worked as a farm hand, drove a truck, and enlisted in the U.S Army Reserves in 1957.  He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and 6 months’ active duty in Fort Ord, CA where he drove a truck transporting troops to training areas.  He later attended summer camps and meetings, continuing to transport equipment to summer camps each year until he was discharged in 1963.  He worked for seven years with the Hancock County Highway Department and later joined the United States Postal Service where he was a city letter carrier and mail clerk in Carthage.   He then served as Postmaster in Warsaw for nine years, before retiring in 1999 after 34 years with the US Postal Service. Harold and Joyce loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and 19 countries. Throughout their travels, they employed about every means of transportation available, from cars, RVs, buses, cruise ships, trains, and airplanes. Harold and Joyce could always be found attending Carthage/Illini West ballgames, live theater and country music and gospel shows.  Harold was an avid woodworker; he crafted everything from custom pens to bedroom furniture to grandfather clocks. He was a member of the Illinois Order of Odd Fellows, NARFE, the First United Methodist Church and a former member of the Lions Club. He also served on the board for the Keokuk Swing-Ezy Disaster Fund Foundation for 50 years.  Locally, “Heavy” was probably known for riding his bike around town, as he rarely missed a weekday.

Harold is survived by his wife, Joyce, a daughter, Jodi (Brian) Miller of Ankeny, IA, a sister-in-law, Marjorie Starr of Carthage and nine nieces and nephews:  Ron (Patti) Starr of Nauvoo, IL, Karen (Clark) Taylor of Missoula, MT, Ann (Larry) Firkins of Dewey, IL, Maria (Kevin) Elam of Knoxville, TN, Jean Starr of Hamilton, IL, Keith (Joanne) Starr of Charles City, IA, Linda Starr of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Martha (Neal) Miller of Nashville, TN as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lester (Shirley) Starr, Dean Starr, and Lloyd (Virginia) Starr.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 3-7 PM, with family meeting friends from 5-7 PM at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, the Honor Flight, or Illini West Sports Boosters. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.