Monte L Starr

Monte Starr, age 74, beloved husband and father passed away after a courageous fight against his illness. Monte was born in Riverside, California on Mother’s Day, May 8th to Fred and Margaret Starr. Monte attended school in San Bernardino, CA and graduated from Pacific High School in 1967.

He joined the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam during the conflict. He was discharged from the Army at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Monte was then hired by the FAA in Alaska as an Air Traffic Controller and his first position was at Merrill Field in Anchorage and when the Alaskan pipeline was under construction, he was sent to Deadhorse, Alaska in order to work the pipeline traffic. While in Anchorage, he attended Anchorage Community College and graduated with an Associates Degree.

Monte married Lora Cross Johnson on November 28th, 1975. They were wed in a six seater airplane circling above Anchorage and Monte said it was the only way he could get married sitting down. The couple traveled to Southern California to celebrate with family and friends. Monte and Lora honeymooned in Mexico and then returned to Anchorage. In 1976, Monte was transferred to Lancaster, California to work at Edwards Air Force Base and also worked at the air towers in Fresno and Bakersfield where he retired as a supervisor.

Monte enjoyed being involved with many organizations and loved to meet new people. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, St Johns #3 Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Shrine Jesters, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star and Navy League. Monte also attended First Presbyterian Church in New Bern, North Carolina. In 1999, he started a journey to become Potentate of Al Maliakah Temple in Los Angeles, California and in 2005, Monte was installed as Potentate and worked hard to have a successful year.

In the year 2006, after Monte completed his year as Potentate, he and Lora moved to New Bern, North Carolina where he became very involved again with Shrine, golf, church, travel, Navy League and enjoying life. One of Monte’s proud accomplishments with the Shrine is founding the Cooligan parade unit with the Sudan temple. The Cooligans enjoyed themselves in many parades over the years. Monte and Lora loved to dance and took every opportunity to do so. They enjoyed ballroom, shag dancing, clogging and line dancing throughout their marriage.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe Lee Phillips. Survivors include his wife, Lora, son Tyler and daughter-in-law Cari, all of New Bern, as well as his sister Mitzie Brown of Riverside, California.

The Starr family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Truewood Senior Home who offered love, kindness, support, understanding and care during this difficult time. “Mr. Mo” loved all of the staff and the family is very grateful for the care and concern that was shown to Monte. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital at 950 West Faris Rd, Greenville, South Carolina 29605 or you may send donations to the local Sudan Shriners.

The family would also like to thank the Gentiva Hospice staff for all their support, love, care and compassion during this difficult time. The twins were so understanding, loving and concerned. Thank you all.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 400 New Street, New Bern, NC. Please join the family for a reception at the New Bern Shrine Club following the service.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cottenfuneralhome.com