Donald Eugene Starkey

Donald Eugene Starkey passed at the age of 81 at his home in Livingston on February 24, 2025. He was born on July 31, 1943 to his parents Johnny Owens and Mattie Starkey. Donald served in the United States Army and was a proud veteran. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. He enjoyed cultivating his garden with a green thumb, playing his guitar and singing, and was overjoyed to spend his time with his family and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by the many people who had the joy and privilege to know and love him.

He is survived by his spouse of 31 years Betty Starkey Taylor, spouse of 25 years Jane Deville, daughters Sonya Shaffett (Jeff) and Amber Douglas, sons Dorian (Vanessa) Starkey, Douglas (Becki) Starkey, Michael Starkey, Randall Starkey, and Patrick Bell, grandchildren Hunter Shaffett, Chelsea Barnard, Ashton Starkey, Lexie Fowler, Kenzie Bell, Justin Shaffett, Colton Shaffett, Michael Starkey, Mattie Starkey, Eli Starkey, and Gage Vadrine, great-grandchildren Marlie Shaffett, Murray Shaffett, Aida French, Iris Shaffett, Zach Starkey, Lance Starkey, Luke Starkey, Aubreigh Brock, Oakleigh Blalock, Maddox Farris, and Mazzie Sturges, brothers Arthur Severio, Doug Owens and JC Owens Jr., uncle D.K. Starkey, nieces Hannah May and Emiley Jackson, nephews Christian Herget, Matt Goings, Jason May, Jadan Jackson, and Kevin May, and ex-mother-in-law Nell Taylor.

He is preceded in death by parents Mattie Severio and Arthur O.D. Severio, brother Milton Severio, sister Shirley Owens, and granddaughter Felicia Starkey.

There will be a visitation Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Red Oak Baptist Church from 9am to 11am with a service starting at 11am. Burial will follow at the Red Oak Baptist Church cemetery.