Donald Ray “Blackie” Starnes, 87, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at his home in Valliant, Oklahoma.

Blackie was born January 21, 1930 in Jermyn, Texas the son of Doyle Ray Starnes and Leona Mae (Manley) Starnes. He was raised in Bryson, Texas and raised his family in Monahans, Texas to pursue the oil field from 1954 to 1991. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and had lived in the Valliant area for over 25 years. He married Marvene Baird on July 6, 1954. 

Blackie loved people, fishing and to fight chickens. He never met a stranger and was an occasional attendee at the Valliant Church of God, especially if there was dinner being served. Blackie was a lifetime member of Jacksboro Masonic Lodge.

Blackie was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jackie Ray Starnes, grandson Brandon Scott Wright and siblings: Jack W. Starnes and Francille Caddel. 

Survivors include his wife, Marvene Starnes, son, Mike Starnes and wife Martha of Graford, Texas; daughter, Patricia Anne Wright of Forney, Texas; daughter-in-law, Melissa Cristella Starnes of Dyersbury, Tennessee; grandson, Coleman Hunter Starnes of Midlothian, Texas along with a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 26 at Cottonwood Cemetery in Bryson with Bro. Leon Times officiating. Services are under the direction of Miller and Miller Funeral Home of Valliant, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a church or charity of your choice.