Melvin Bernard ("Buck") Starkes

Melvin Bernard “Buck” Starkes was born on October 12, 1961, to the Late Louis Woodard and Bermice Starkes Thomas.  He is proceeded in death by his father, Louis Woodard; brother, Terrance L. Woodard Sr; grandfather, Eddie L. Starkes Sr.; grandmother, Mary W. J. Starkes; three uncles, Eddie L. Starkes Jr.; Dyke E. Brown and Thomas Easter.  Melvin’s family called him Bernard. He was a graduate of Paso High School and a track star winning 2nd place at the state meet. He also was known for hitting home runs on the baseball field. He was a lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins and he would tell you every year they were going to the Superbowl. Melvin traveled to Alaska, Jamacia, and loved cruises. Many saw him in his standing wheelchair on the corner of Sumner Avenue or riding down the road in his wheelchair or getting on or off the bus. His smile and positive attitude made many friends. He never considered himself disabled but was independent and did things his way.  He leaves to mourn his passing: his Mother, Bermice S. Thomas and husband, Rev. Harold Thomas; three sisters Ivory Whitley, Normita Woodard; and adopted sister, Anita Blake; two uncles, Joseph Starkes and wife, Vivian, and Henry Starkes and wife, Joan; one nephew, Terrance L. Woodard Jr. and wife Tareva; one niece, Shabanese Barrick and husband, Christopher; four grandnieces, Kyra L. Woodard, Lyric E. Albury, Brynlee R. Barrick, and Triniti L. Woodard; one devoted caregiver, Lisa Phillips and husband, Cliff; Physicians, Dr. Nancy Finnerty, MD, PhD; Dr. Keith A. Rosenbach, MD, and Advent Health wound center staff; and Godmother, Mrs. Judy Mann; and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and special friends: Greg, Cecil, David and Milton.

*Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have implemented necessary procedures during Visitations, Funeral Ceremonies, Gravesides, and other public and private ceremonies.  We do ask that all visitors of these services to please continue to wear your masks and please remember to social distance.  These new policies may be inconvenient, but due to the severity of the virus, we ask that everyone be considerate, patient, and safe with others as we try to get through this most difficult time.  Seating during services may be limited so please be considerate of the immediate family especially.  . 

*If you are attending a Graveside service or an Outdoor Celebration you are welcomed to bring your own chair as seating will be limited!  We will provide water to make everyone as comfortable as possible.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this time. We pray that everyone stays safe and cooperative with the current CDC rules.  

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