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Donald Floyd Starr1937-2016

Donald Floyd Starr passed away June 26 at Hope West Care Center in Grand Junction surrounded by his loving family.

Born Nov. 8, 1937, near Stilwell, OK, he moved to Minturn at age 8. He worked at Clarke’s Grocery in Minturn and at the New Jersey Zinc Mine in Gilman during his school years. Don graduated from Minturn High School in 1956 and attended Mesa State College, earning his associate degree in 1958. He returned to Minturn for five years and worked at the Climax plant and construction jobs on some of the first Vail homes. Don then continued his education and in 1965 graduated from Western State College in Gunnison and later from Colorado State College in Greeley where he received his master’s degree in 1974.

Don married Shirley Peters in 1960 and they had two daughters, Debbie and Connie. Don and Shirley loved the out-of-doors and camping, fishing, gardening and wood cutting became a big part of family life. The family moved from Minturn to Glenwood Springs where he worked for Mesa County Social Services in the Vocational Rehab Office. He was on the board of directors for the Mountain Valley Service Center and helped establish the green house operation for the center. They later moved to Grand Junction where he worked in the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehab Office for 30 years, retiring in 1997. While there he assisted in the implementation of the American Disabilities Act in Mesa County. Shirley passed away in 2007.



Don married Sharon Conklin in 2013 in Grand Junction and the couple enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and Canada, visiting friends and family, and outdoor activities. Don skied into his 70’s and he lovedSW snow shoeing under the full moon on the Grand Mesa. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Messiah in Grand Junction.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughters Debbie Mozingo and Connie Stambaugh; three step-children: Mitch Davis, Kyle Davis, and Karin Reddick-Smith; grandchildren Tosha Mozingo, Tyler Mozingo, Kasadyne, James, Jason and Dakota Stambaugh; great-grandchildren Ayden, Aleyna, Cage and Colton; 11 step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Ralph Starr (Janice) sister Pauline Foral, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by siblings Eva Harris, Eileen Collichio, Thelma Rose Aven, Norma Jean Catron, Billie Ann Cline, Frankie Waldero and Bob Beaver, and his mother Opal Starr and father Paul Starr.

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Services were June 30 at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah in Grand Junction. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mountain Valley Developmental Services, 700 Sopris Drive, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.


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