Raymond Eugene Starkebaum, age 93, of Choctaw, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in Harrah, Oklahoma. Raymond was born on July 2, 1926 in Yates Center, Kansas to parents Arthur & Caroline (Pantle) Starkebaum.
Raymond was a World War II Veteran and a proud member of the greatest generation.
Raymond retired from Tinker AFB as an aircraft mechanic. Dad truly never retired, always working at something. One of his favorite jobs in retirement was as an armed security guard. Dad was also a farmer who grew a great garden every year that he shared with his neighbors and friends. Dad was also a skilled mechanic who worked on and could fix anything with an engine/motor.
Raymond married Nadine Slate on December 20, 1948 and they celebrated their 71st anniversary last December.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Caroline (Pantle) and Arthur Starkebaum; his brothers, Harold and John; and sisters, Donna and Mildred.
Survived by his wife, Nadine; children, Richard, Susan and Beverly; granddaughter, Melissa and husband Darin; great-grandsons, Jacob, Kyle and Tony; 2 sisters, Ethel and Lucille; 3 brothers, Lewis, Ralph and Kenneth; special cousins, Wendell and Sandy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Raymond was known by many names, Ray, Jack, daddy, grandpa, and friend. He was a surrogate father and grandfather to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A private family burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2020 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Choctaw, Oklahoma.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eisenhourfuneralhome.com for the Starkebaum family.
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