Glen Byron Starnes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend entered the gates of Heaven on March 3, 2022 at the age of 76. Glen shared his final breaths surrounded in love with his wife Kathryn and his daughters, Robin and Amy, by his side after boldly battling several months of illness with lung and heart issues.
Glen was born August 21, 1945, at Methodist Hospital Dallas, TX. He was the 4th of 6 children, and the first one to be born in a hospital. He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX where he enjoyed some of the happiest times of his life playing football for the Golden Bears. Glen proudly served four years in the United States Air Force from 1969-1972 and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. He continued his education at Texas A&M Commerce where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Glen was always finding ways to nurture others and was authorized and licensed in the State of Texas as a Professional Counselor – maintaining his active license every year since 1983.
Glen was born with a very special God given spirit that prevailed with him throughout his life. He read the entire Bible straight through 33 times – finishing the most recent reading on his great grandson Gentry’s first birthday in January 2021. Glen always said, “you need to know the textbook when you get to heaven”. He loved the Lord fiercely. His faith was integral as the center-point of his life, and he was devoted to enriching the spiritual lives of his family.
Glen’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with Kathryn, his “sweet angel” and beloved wife of over 38 years. They spent a great deal of time immersing themselves in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping across the great state of Texas and throughout the Southwest. Their shared love for nature led to creating their very own backyard sanctuary earning the designation of a “certified wildlife habitat” where they enjoyed countless hours sipping vino, smoking briskets, and cherishing each other’s conversations.
One of Glen’s utmost sources of joy came from his role as “Daddy” to his two daughters, Robin Brown and Amy Starnes. He is described by his “girls” as their steadfast protector, source of comfort, and forever their safe place to fall. His example of love, strength, and devotion shaped his girl’s ability to extend the same type of comfort to their Daddy in his final days, when he needed it most.
Glen is survived by an adoring family including his wife Kathryn of Garland, TX; Daughters - Robin Brown and husband Matt Brown of Mckinney, TX and Amy Starnes of Mead, CO; Stepsons – Troy Prestenberg and wife Kim of Garland, TX and Matt Prestenberg and wife Cara of Sachse, TX; Grandsons - Chase Sasiain of Dallas, TX and Trevor Stacy and wife Shelby and great grandson Gentry of Rayne, LA; Michael, Johnathon, David and Joshua Prestenberg of Garland, TX; Granddaughters - Skyler Rountree of Plano, TX; Lani Stacy of Austin, TX; Scarlett, Stella, and Sophia Prestenberg of Sachse, TX.
Brothers – Walter “Buddy” Starnes and wife Delores of Tyler, TX, Curtis Ray Starnes and wife Nancy of Rockwall, TX, Clifton Starnes and wife Diane of Farmers Branch, TX; sister - Patty Healey and husband Alan of Hideaway, TX; along with a long host of other loving family and friends. Glen is preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Walter Arther Starnes and his older sister Elaine Day and her husband Ben Day.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2022 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior at the funeral home. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Glen’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/glen-byron-starnes. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
Following the service, a lunch reception for friends and family will be held at Tucker Hill Community Clubhouse, 2100 State Boulevard McKinney, Texas 75071.
A private family interment will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Glen’s honor to the First Baptist Church Dallas, 1707 San Jacinto Street Dallas, TX 75201.