Burney will remain in our thoughts and prayers for always.  He will be so missed at Pueblo High Alumni meetings as he was our link to student and faculty representation  and was proud of Pueblo's diversity.  He so loved being a Warrior and always brought smiles to our meetings and ended them with the Fight Song.  We love you Burney, rest peacefully!!

My deepest condolences to the entire Starks family. Burnes was a great man and will always be missed. God Bless You ALL!

Major Starks, will be missed. He was the first person I knew from our old neighborhood to graduate from college. He was an inspiration to many. One was never a stranger around Burney. Thank you for your gifts of friendship and being a huge influence in our 'hood'.

Burney,  what an impact you had on every person you encountered or happened into you.  That right place at that significant point in time God purposefully set up our serendipitous meetings, no matter how brief,  how long,  you will stay ever present in our lives; a gift.  Our hearts are heavy,  yes,  for you will not be here in the physical to light us up with that always open heart.  But perhaps what weighs most heavy upon us is that which you have placed in our hearts & in our hands.  That example of selflessness which,  if we were paying attention, requires of US to continue where you left off. 
Thank you Burney! 
May you rest in peace. 
Much love. 
Debi

You were a wonderful 1969 Pueblo High Warrior--my prayers are for your family.

Burney, you were a wonderful man, and I was amazed to see all you did in life, the funeral service today showed me what an inspiration you were to so many! I was honored to sing a duet with you whenever we could, and loved running into you at karaoke on occasion. The world and Tucson are emptier places without you in them.

Hello Family, needless to say i am at a loss of words. this man along with several others in the Stark's family have been a great source of comfort;wisdom,as well as friendship to my family personally.my son was doing bad in school and on the education side between Burney and Charles(Greylon) Stark,s he is now pursuing his Bachelor,s degree in engineering. so even though Bueney has moved on to another place, i am constantly reminded of how he has touched my house everyday. his body of work will long outlast the physical, and isn't that the way he would have wanted it.remember the bible say;s to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord....AMEN...Love you all

Burney was one of the kindest, most decent people I've ever known....and I'm thinking that's why God wanted him early.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life, that although it was way too short, it was well lived.

That smile!  Burney entered a room and sunshine was everywhere.  I knew Burney from his work in TUSD and was proud to serve with him on the America-Israel Friendship League board.  He was so committed to young people and the Tucson community.  His love for music and theater was always evident.  I loved to talk with him about his family who indeed were his greatest treasures.  Burney, you will be missed.

This world lost a beautiful soul!  Burney was friendly, talented, hard working, and most of all very giving of himself to everyone.  He was a great officer in the Army Reserves.  We were blessed to have him as our friend.   He will be greatly missed.  May he rest in peace...  Herman and Arlene Lopez

My sincere condolences to the Sparks family.  Burney was a great contributor to the Tucson community, and he will be greatly missed.  May God comfort your hearts and grant you peace.

I knew Burney from Camp Wildcat way back when.  Always a bright light and always jumping in to help.  He did a lot to get overnight camp singalongs alive and LOUD!
The kids and the counselors loved him. He will be missed.

Burney,
As a small child you and your siblings came on the "Galloping Grapfruit" bus to the old First Church of the Nazarene on 10th & Highland.  My late father, Pastor Jim Cullumber, visited many times in your home with Chief and your mother.  Your family and others are very proud of you and my prayers are with you.

My heart is sadden, Know that you will be with Us.Our prayers are with you and your family. We were blessed to know.

My good friend and brother,        words can't describe the
 sense of the loss of a man who demonstrates the things that every person should strive to be.Motivated and successful in his endeavors. On this side of his life, he was always on point to me. I always felt that when he was involved, it was noteworthy. He made me and so greatly many others be better at our lives by his example. He is the example that I saw of a true professional. Always welcoming, open, and friendly. With a Godly sense of purpose and humor. And I can say NEVER a foul word did I hear. 
Brother, you are already missed. I pray for your legacy to be for generations to come. I love you. God bless you all and all those who have been blessed know and love Burnes Starks. .......Tim

So sorry for your loss of a great man My prayers are with you at this time

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I met Burney many years ago when I was putting together small theater productions for the Women's Council of Realtors.  Burney got into one of my productions and we got to know each other doing more shows and because of both of our involvement with the Southern Arizona Light Opera Company.  

Burney was a great guy.  I will miss him.

It saddens me that I will be unable to attend Burney's Homegoing service... I will be there heart-wise for a man that was like a big brother to me and I learned a great deal about life from... Thanks for your being there big bruh!...

Starks family, we were saddened by the news that Burney had passed.  Burney was a true Warrior, at best! We had good times with him at our Alumni meetings and events. Burney would always lead us in singing the school song. God bless you Burney and may you rest in peace. Friends, Richard and Olga Guillen

It was a pleasure and honor to know him. He will be missed.

To the Starks family our sympathy and condolence for your lost.I hadn't seen Burney since our high school days. But we all remember the people that help us to grow up.Thank you. The McNair Family

The Shoals Family sends thoughts and prayers your way. Love to all.

Our deepest sympathy to the Starks family, Burney will be missed.  His legacy for Tucson will be long lasting.
Sincerely
Richard and Terry Harper

Sending our prayers to the Starks Family. 

Saralynn (Pogue) Earl (Las Vegas, Nv)

Oue sincerest condolences to the family. May God's love and mercy give you strength. Our prayers are with you. Radine Betters Strong & Family

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Burney's family. We will miss hearing your singing, waving at you marching with the UA Alumni Band, and seeing you at Juneteenth.

I had the privilege of working with Burney almost 10 years ago. His energy and his desire to want to help  & creativity was always intoxicating. He would say, "Ricky...man...sometimes just smile thru it." It was always great to have a laugh with him because he laughed with his whole heart. His presence will definitely be missed and his energy will be unmatched b anyone. May your legacy continue in the lives of all those students who you inspired. God grant you rest, Mr. Burney

I am saddened beyond words.  Burney was one of the most decent human beings I have ever known. My condolences to his family.

Burney, my friend, rest in peace.  Until we meet again my friend! 

Condolences to all of Burney's family and friends.

I met Burnes when I was 19 yo which was fortunate for me because through him I met his wonderful family and they met mine.  Through out the years there would be spells where I didn't see Burnes, but when an event would occur in my family be it happy or sad he and his brother Gary were there. Yes Burnes was everything that is being said or written bout him. I loved his smile!  I pray that his family will find joy now and always by all the beautiful words and memories people are sharing. RIP Burnes

I never met Burney, but I did get to hear him sing "My Girl" at Pueblo's 50th Anniversary Celebration and he sang like an Angel and he will continue to do so in Heaven. I wish I had a chance to meet him and be in his company just once. Such an accomplished and caring man throughout his short life. May he forever Rest in Peace. My deepest condolences to his Wife, Children and extended Family. May cherished memories keep him in your hearts forever.            A fellow PHS Alumna Class
of '65  "Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior"

Burney was kind enough to be a speaker at a Memorial Service for Kayla Mueller last month at East Lawn.  It's the first time I met him.  What a lasting impression he left,  I'm so saddened it was the first and final time I'd see him.  I was shocked by the loss of Burney and my heartfelt sympathies goes out to his family.

Our most sincere heartfelt condolences extended to Burney's immediate and extended family and friends. We met while in High School and 20 years ago, my husband had the privilege of meeting him - though we didn't see Burney too often, my husband and I both admired his personality, his love of people and most impressive -- his singing voice. Our thoughts and prayers to the family during this time of need.

Sure will miss your smile and Super Star style! Such a genuine, kind, fun, and loving soul you are. Always so positive. You could brighten ones day with just a few kind words and that amazing smile. Every time I talked to you, even if it was just a text or note on FB, I felt like I had just walked out of church, you know, that peaceful, easy feeling. We will miss you terribly Burney. Love, Stacy & Greg Olson

I met him once and was impressed.
Michael Ames  Pueblo '58

It seems like we were just singing Just My Imagination at Karaoke not too long ago.  I always enjoyed the hugs Burnes gave when he saw me and always greeted me with a Hey Cuz! He thoroughly enjoyed what he did and did it with such pride.  He helped me out a lot when I was working at the Boys and Girls club and his chess game was AMAZING!

Burney your voice is what I will always remember most at the MLK breakfasts. You sang with such pride and strength. You touched so many and affected so many more. Peace & Blessings to the Starks family. He will not be forgotten....The Robert & Cindy Ayala family

I can't believe Burney is gone. I met him through Camp Wildcat at UA and then our paths crossed over the years through Kiwanis and other civic events. He's a great human being. My condolences to his family. He died way too young. Lyle Deo, Tucson

Burney, may your soul rest in eternal and perfct peace....You my friend made this a better world..

Burney touched the lives of so many, his infectious smile and warm heart, showed his love for people. He had the ability to communicate with others from every walk of life. He was my friend. Burney loved his family very much and served The Lord with humility and grace. Burney will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was my student years ago at The University of Arizona and recently served as a board member of Leman Academy of Excellence. I'll miss you dear friend! My sincere condolences to all of the family.

It was a honor to work with Burney.  He was truly an advocate for all students. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

The Encinas family sends its most sincere condolences to the Starks Family near and far.  Burney was a positive contributor in all he undertook.  We enjoyed being soccer families together at AYSO 224 also.
May your faith and family love support you during the difficult days ahead.  May Burney rest with the angels.

Burney lives on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to experience his magic.

Tucson has a new angel to watch over us.  Burney touched EVERYONE so positively.  We shall miss him and be eternally grateful for all the good and the many people he assisted/accepted unconditionally.  Rest in Peace dear friend....

My condolences to the Starks Family;Burney was such a gental soul but always professional in his roles of advocacy. I had the pleasure of working/and collaborating with him while doing a Social Work internship at Utterback. Many lessons were learned from Burney's wisdom he freely shared. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all lives he's touched as he did mine.May you rest in heaven my friend,
Christell Walker,LCSW

Dear Starks Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.  May God Bless all of you.

I went to school with Burney at PHS and then we met up again through the signing group "True Devotion Motown Review". Burney you were very special to so many. You will be deeply missed. It was a pleasure knowing you.

May God's Love fill your heart and give you peace and comfort during this time of grief.

Major Starks was a good friend at the 8th Battalion 40th Armor in Tucson.  It was great to know him and be part of his staff.  We did a few military balls together and he was a great singer, so light-hearted.  Easy to talk to. Big heart.  He will be missed.     Pat O'Hare

My deepest condolences to all of Burney's family and friends...he touched so many lives, and will be missed dearly.  Who will read the Fiddler's Green at the 8/40th picnics? He did it best...My prayers are with you all.

OBITUARY

Burnes Olander Starks

January 23, 1951 – May 31, 2015

Funeraria del Angel South Lawn & South Lawn Cemetery

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