Joseph Harold Starks, Sr.

Joseph Harold Starks was the name given to him September 18, 1934 in Paducah, KY by Emmitt & Nancy Starks. He was a child of 11. Growing up on a farm, his name was shortened to “Joe” when he needed to help with chores. In 1956 he was called Pvt-1 Starks when he was drafted into the US Army where he received a Good Conduct Medal while serving in Germany as a Weapons Infantryman.

He followed his brothers to Florida and fell in love with saltwater fishing (1959). In 1965 he met Dorothy Marie Ortega-Schostag as she was preparing to move back to California. They were married 3 weeks later (June 5, 1965). Now he was called “Honey.” They had 7 children between them (not his, hers and ours – but THEIRS). He was called “Daddy” by Theodore George Schostag, Jr. (Teresa), Kathy Jane Nelson (Jerry), Glenda Voija Starks, Donna Marie Acree, Jessie Damer Chapman (Ken), Joseph Harold Starks, Jr. (Wendy), and Janice Kay Dahlin (Karl). Smoked mullet was a staple in this household. Starting in 1981 his favorite title became “Papa Joe” by 19 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and the “mini” great-great grandchildren. He taught several of them how to fish.

“Hey, Joe” could be heard in many places around Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze and Destin where he worked as a Master Plumber. He would also be called on Saturdays to help his friends and family with their plumbing needs. But Sundays would be his day to fish, until a Salvation Army officer started praying he wouldn’t catch any fish on a Sunday. He became “Mr. Joe” when he would drive to bring people to church. “Mr. Joe” when he would cook for a fish fry and “Mr. Joe” when he would help fix a building problem for his church or a family in need.

He liked to play jokes and to laugh. He liked to fish and hunt. He liked to hang out with friends and laugh even more. No matter what he was called, he loved being with his family and helping anyone in need. On March 8, 2025, at 8:15 am he received his ultimate calling when he was called home by our Heavenly Father. He was Promoted to Glory. No matter what he was called, Joe was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to The Salvation Army of Okaloosa & Walton Counties.

https://give.salvationarmyflorida.org/give/257918/#!/donation/checkout?amount=100&c_src=WebsiteUSS&c_src2=PrimaryDonateButto