Ronald Wayne Starnes

Ronald Starnes, age 76 of Gatesville, gained his wings on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Ronald Wayne Starnes was born November 1, 1947 to the late Delmer Schutes and Ina and Travis Starnes in Wichita Falls.  He grew up in the Abilene area and graduated from Abilene High School in 1966.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam from 1967 until 1969.  He met Linda Watson in Abilene in 1966 and they were married in Sweetwater in 1968.  They had two children, Rhonda and Rodney.    They were stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Fort Hood, Texas.  In 1978, he joined the Army National Guard and was employed at M.A.T.E.S. from 1980 until his retirement in 2007, having served 40 years and 10 months in the United States Army.  Ronald was a man who loved God, his family, and his country.  In 1978, he and his family made their home in Gatesville.  He enjoyed hunting, rodeoing in Alaska, his dogs and horses.  In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, traveling, gardening, and taking care of his property in the country.  He was a member of Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197 A.F. & A.M. and Bee House Lodge #550 A.F. & A.M. in Evant. 

Ronald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Watson Starnes; children, Rhonda Starnes Bruner and husband, Wayne, of Bryan; Rodney Starnes and wife, Shelly of Paradise; grandchildren, Hudson Hopkins of Texarkana, Lance Gray and fiancé, Meghan of San Diego, California, Henslie Starnes of Fort Worth, Jackson and Morgan Bruner of Bryan, Jonathan, Jacob, and Jonah Chagoya of Paradise; sister, Gail Boone and husband, Carlton of Brownsville; several cousins, nieces and nephews; lifetime friends, James and Dawn Lanham of Gatesville; and many friends.