Henry Webster Starkes

Henry Webster “Stukom” Starkes was born on March 19, 1952, to the Late Eddie L. Starkes Sr. and Mary W. J. Starkes in Dade City, Florida.  He is proceeded in death by his father, Eddie L. Starkes Sr.; mother, Mary W. J. Starkes; three brothers, Eddie L. Starkes Jr.; Dyke E. Brown Sr., and Thomas Easter Brown; two nephews, Terrance L. Woodard Sr. and Melvin B. Starkes.  Henry’s family called him Stukom.  He was a graduate of Mickens High class of 1970. In August of 1972, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home from the war, Henry moved to Louisiana and began working throughout the United States, removing asbestoses from buildings.  He also was known for creating masterpieces with his hands.  If you wanted something built, Henry was the person for the job.  Upon returning home he worked for Lykes Pasco and then retired.  Henry spent countless hours volunteering at Moore Mickens Vocational Educational Center.  He truly enjoyed working with Marilyn Hunter and the executive board. His love was spread throughout the world and if you knew Henry, you would have thought he had children and grandchildren in Tampa and Louisiana.  He believed in visiting family members and would drive or fly to be with them. If you wanted to know about the legacy of the Starkes family, Henry was the person to call.  He was a lifelong fan of the Saints and he would tell you that’s his team. Henry was a man that never met a stranger.  He leaves to mourn his passing: his sister, Dr. Bermice Starkes Thomas and Brother Joseph Starkes (Vivian); five nieces, Ivory Whitley, Normita Woodard (Reginald), Bermice Starkes; Gwendolyn Ferguson and  Anita Blake;  four nephews, Dyke Brown Jr. (Latrice); Eric Brown; Eddie Starkes III (Michelle), and  Dwayne Edwards; one great nephew, Terrance L. Woodard (Tareva); three great nieces, Shabanese Barrick, Sage Brown; and Khy Brown; five great-great nieces, Kyra L. Woodard, Lyric E. Albury, Gabrielle Starkes, Brynlee Barrick, and Triniti L. Woodard; devoted friends, Raleigh James and Dr. Walter Howard from the 46th Communication Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA; and  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, church family and special friends, Joan Greene, Fannie Gentles; Marilyn Hunter, Willie Craig, Walter Finley, John Standifer, Arthur Whitehead and Robert Finley.

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