Wally Starr(henry Welcher Starr III) October 15, 1943-October 13, 2020
Wally Starr (Henry Welcher Starr III) passed away on September 13, 2020 at his home in Centennial, CO from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Wally, born October 15, 1943, was raised in Porterville. He was a fourth generation native of California, third generation to be raised in Porterville and the great grandson of Poplar area homesteaders Elisha Lane and Sarah Ellen Cloer who came to the area in the 1880’s as dry land wheat farmers. His grandfather and grandmother were Thomas L. and Catherine Betts Cloer, lifelong Porterville residents. His parents were Henry Welcher Starr, Jr, and Evelyne Cloer Starr, both PUHS Class of 1934.
Wally and his older brother Lane attended Olive Street School before moving southwest of town near their grandparents’ ranch. Wally graduated from Rockford Elementary School in 1957 and from Porterville Union High School in 1961. He graduated from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo. He married college classmate Lee Blankenship on February 12,1966.
Wally had a diverse and interesting career as an electrical engineer and product developer for several electronic/ computer companies in Spokane WA. He lived in Coeur d’alene, Idaho prior to moving to Colorado.
Wally, his brother Lane and their two cousins, Carla and Bill Cloer, were very close and spent many days together on the farm as well as summers at Camp Nelson. Their last outing together was an Alaskan cruise in 2009.
Wally was an intelligent man with a quiet sense of humor. He was a gentle soul who cherished his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Wally is survived by his wife Lee Starr and daughter Brynn JaouenStarr, both of Centennial CO, son Brandon Starr of Vancouver WA, grandsons Kellan Starr and Declan Starr, and his brother Lane Starr of Athol, Idaho. Other surviving relatives include cousins Carla Cloer of Porterville, Dan Cloer of Visalia, Julia Cloer of Northridge, Bill Starr of Henderson, NV, Barbara Snook of Fallon, NV and his Aunt Helen Cloer (Mrs. Thomas Cloer, Jr.) of Monrovia CA.
There will be no formal memorial service. Donations to the Parkinsons Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or on-line at Parkinson.org, are appreciated