Robert Lees Starnes

Longtime Grosse Pointe resident Robert (Bob) Starnes, 93, died on Thursday, October 31, 2024 surrounded by family at his home in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. He is survived by his three daughters, Cathy (Scott) Nixon, Carole (Kevin) Steffes, and Suzanne Ternes (Mike LeFevre); 7 grandchildren: Jeffry, Kelsy, James, Jacob, Grace, Brendon and Michelle and 7 great grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by Mary Jane, his beloved wife of 54 years in 2013, his brother Doug in 2018 and his parents TC (Gene) and Edith Starnes.

A 1949 graduate of Grosse Pointe High School, Bob attended and graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Pharmacy. While at WSU, he competed as a member of the Varsity Fencing Team and participated in the NCAA Championships at Yale University. He was also a member of the Anthony Wayne Society and a past President of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association. Following college, Bob served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1956 in Kisarazu, Japan. He was a Master Skipper who raced sailboats as often as possible and took full advantage of every opportunity to explore the countries and cultures of Southeast Asia, including climbing Mount Fuji twice.

Bob and Mary Jane Cox were married on June 27, 1959, and were blessed with three daughters, Cathy, Carole, and Suzanne. For most of his professional career Bob was employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a Product and District Sales Manager for Parke-Davis and Warner-Lambert. He particularly enjoyed his role as a mentor for young professionals and was well liked and respected as a colleague and friend throughout his career. Bob loved his work and spending time with both his immediate and extended families. Bob and Mary Jane were life-long members of Lakeshore Presbyterian Church where he served as an Usher, Deacon, and Trustee, as well as chairing multiple operating committees and special projects.

Following retirement in 1994, Bob and Mary Jane spent their winters in Pompano Beach, Florida. He volunteered at North Broward Hospital, The Cops Program in Leisureville and served as an Usher, Deacon, and Stephen Minister at The Pink Church in Pompano Beach. Bob was honored to serve several years as the Beadle on Scottish Sunday, carrying the bible in his Scottish Kilt.

Bob loved his service as a Docent for over 20 years at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate on Lakeshore Drive, giving informative tours and presentations where he was known to be an endless source of information on “all things Ford”. He was a member of the Senior Men's Club of Grosse Pointe, The St Andrew’s Society and a Lifetime Master Mason. Bob and Mary Jane also indulged in their love for international travel and adventure, visiting five continents and over 60 countries with their traveling companions, friends, and family.

More than for any of his many impressive accomplishments, Bob will be remembered by his friends and family for his cheerful attitude and the kindness and hospitality he extended to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by many who knew and loved him. Bob knew there were no ordinary moments, and that each opportunity to experience something, make a friend, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet life can occasionally offer, was a blessing not to be dismissed.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bob at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 9th 2024, at Lakeshore Presbyterian Church 27801 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081. The Family requests that any donations in his name be made to Lakeshore Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Kaul Funeral Home St. Clair Shores Chapel.