Ralph Leonard Starkey

Ralph Leonard Starkey passed on to his Heavenly Father on February 2, 2019, at UHC in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

Ralph was born August 2, 1927, in Jacksonburg, West Virginia, the son of Wiley Starkey and Anna (Smith) Starkey, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of more than 25 years, Regina Mae (Harris) Starkey; two sons, Ralph “Brad” Starkey, his wife Deborah of Owings and their children, Kelly Briggs of Lemoore, CA, Robin Lamb and Carrie Mancino both of Shinnston & Dave Starkey, his wife Shirley of Jane Lew and their children, James & Brittany Starkey; two daughters, Doris Gean Holt, her husband Dave and their children, Cathy and Scott Holt all of Wallace & Jill Maxwell and her husband Ronnie of Lumberport and their children, Ron Maxwell Jr. and Edna Frymier.  He is also survived by two stepsons, David Harris and his wife Betty Ann of Shinnston and their children, Drew, Julie, David Ray and Brenna & Mark Harris and Mary of Owings; one stepdaughter, Diana Holbert and her husband Arnold “Buckey” of Shinnston; & Doug’s children, Tommy, Richie and Tammy; along with several more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Ralph worked at Consol Energy Robinson Run No. 95 as a Bolter Machine Operator.  He was the last surviving member of the Farmington No. 9 Coal Explosion Disaster that happened on November 20, 1968.  Ralph was also the last surviving member of his family.  He loved to hunt and fish, work in his garden and was a real go-getter.  He will be missed by many!

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Eva Mae (Smith) Starkey; two sons, Doug and Timmy Starkey; four brothers and nine sisters.

The family will receive friends at Owings Baptist Church, 29 Bungalow Road, Shinnston, WV 26431, on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 2:00PM until the time of Funeral Service at 6:00PM with Pastor Ron Johnson officiating.  Per Ralph’s request cremation services will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to Owings Baptist Church.

Online condolences can be made at www.dorseyfuneralhomewv.com.  Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to assist the Starkey Family at this time. 

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