LEON STARRETT

James Leon Starrett, age 76, of Hooks, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020, at home and surrounded by his loving family.

Leon was born December 3, 1943, in Linden, Texas, to Gladys Marie (White) and Elmer Ervin Starrett. He was a faithful member of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church until his illness kept him away. He was a 1962 graduate of Hooks High School, attended Texarkana College, received many hours of training all over the country through his employer, Red River Army Depot, and taught many classes for them. He retired after 36 years from Red River in 1997 at the age of 53. He worked beginning in the 7th grade at odd jobs to help his family, as his father died when Leon was 16 years old. Later he delivered furniture all over the four states area for Bobby Dowd, and also worked at Kay Powell Chevrolet in New Boston. He helped coach many teams, including his daughter’s softball teams, and his son’s baseball teams, soccer teams, and helped start the Hooks-New Boston soccer league.

He retired from the Texas National Guard after 24 years, serving as Sergeant of the Ambulance Platoon. He was a patriot all of his life, loved his country, and loved serving his country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers, Alvis Ray Starrett, Granvell Ervin Starrett, and Glenn Edward Starrett, and brothers-in-law, Clyde Cannon, Walter Frazier and Jimmy Oliver.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Mary (Oliver) Starrett; his beloved children: his daughter Shanin Starrett of Hooks; and son Patrick (Sunny) Starrett of Cleburne, Texas; and the lights of his life, grandsons Blake Starrett of Texarkana, Texas, Crawford Hurt, Garrison Hurt, and Jenson Starrett of Cleburne, Texas. Also his brothers Elmer (Judy) Starrett of Hooks, Larry (Deanna) Starrett of Forney, Texas, David Starrett of Dallas, Texas, as well as sisters, Doris Frazier of Dallas and

Jeanell Cannon of Hooks, Texas, plus two sistersin-law, Beverly Starrett of DeKalb, Texas and Doris Starrett of Hooks, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Leon was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather (Pop Pop), uncle, coach, and loyal friend. He loved his family dearly, and he followed their activities and accomplishments faithfully. He always adored watching his daughter play soccer and softball and attended many dance recitals; he loved watching his son play soccer, baseball, football, play in the band, as well as ride in the Texarkana Quadrille. Watching his kids perform or play was his true joy. Then he started with grandkids, even going to Blake’s baseball practices! He was always concerned about others. He loved his Lord and his church. Leon was a special person with a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit who will be missed and always held close in his family’s heart. With very grateful hearts, the family would like to thank special friends, Jennie Parker and Brett Parker, the staff of Reunion Plaza/Twin City Rehab, and Hospice of Texarkana.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Myrtle Springs Baptist Church, Hooks, Texas with Pastors Roy Ford, Kyle Peters, and Jamie Starrett officiating. Burial will follow in Myrtle Springs Cemetery under the direction of Chapelwood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday at Chapelwood. Due to the health situation, masks will be required inside the funeral home and are encouraged at the church.

Those who wish to honor his memory may make a donation to Myrtle Springs Baptist Church, 555 County Road 2111, Hooks, Texas 75561, Hospice of Texarkana, 2407 Galleria Oaks, Texarkana, Texas 75503 or TRAHC, PO Box 1171, Texarkana, Texas 75504.