Chief Geronomo Starr

CHIEF GERONOMO STARR

Chief Geronomo Starr, Okmulgee, passed away January 24, 2019 at the OSU-Tulsa Medical Center, surrounded by family and loved ones. Geronomo was born in Depew, Oklahoma, on January 30, 1937 to Lewis and Neazetah (Roberts) Starr. Affectionately known as Uncle Sonny by his nephews and nieces, he is survived by his sons Dennis Starr of Moore, Percy Starr of Oklahoma City, and his daughter Denise Starr, Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his sisters Pauline Proctor of Nuyaka and Loretta Griffin of Okmulgee; a step-daughter, Leslie Scheffers of Kalamazoo MI; and his wife, Myra of the home. Also, Patti, Darnell, Sheila, Tricia, and Eric, children of Dennis; Kevin, son of Tim; Kimberly and Matthew, children of Percy, and Tyler and Diedra children of Denise; and Aaron, son of Leslie. Great grandchildren are Sean, Gabriel, and Isabella, Chadrick, Adrian, Estella, Lyla, Xochitl, Familia, Noah, Leo, Erica, Marcos, and NayelaS. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia; son, Timothy Starr; sisters, Rosina Johnson, Millie Yardy, Lena Ryal and nephew Jeff Johnson.

He graduated from Okmulgee high school in 1956 where he was a stand-out athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, being named defensive football captain in his senior year. After high school graduation, Geronomo immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the USS Columbus. While in the Navy, he was called upon many times for his baseball abilities and added boxing to his sports accomplishments. When he left the Navy, he was recruited by the St. Louis Cardinals and spent a season with their farm team, the Springfield, Missouri Cardinals.

He found his vocational first love when he learned the printing trade. He apprenticed in the unions, became a journeyman, and worked in San Jose, Chicago, and Oklahoma City. He had a passion for all things printing and enjoyed a long career at Oklahoma State University Printing Services, Stillwater where he retired as foreman of their press operators.

The family would like to thank Traditions Home Care, Rita Summers, Summer Alexander, and Frank and Lydia Brown for the extra hands and comfort given to Geronomo.

A funeral sevice will be held at Broken Arrow Indian United Methodist Church (20854 E 141st St S, Broken Arrow, OK 74014) at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 31, 2019 with a burial to follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Rev. Elias McHenry will conduct the services. Pall-bearers are Ethan Bell, Jason Harley, A. J. Harley, Alex Dennison, George Proctor, and Erick Starr. Honorary pall-bearers are Stanley McGowin, Doyle Payne, Bing Vassaur, and Major Bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Myositis Association at www.myositis.org, or mailed to: 1940 Duke Street, Suite 200; Alexandria VA 22314.