Gary R. Starkey

Gary Ray Starkey, 94, of Tell City, departed his life here on June 25th, and now calls Heaven his home. Born in Kentucky and raised in Tell City by his Mom and Pop, Pop instilled a love of music in Gary from an early age. This developed into a talent for playing the drums. He used that gift as a drummer in the Tell City High School Marksmen band and orchestra. Because of that, some of his favorite memories with his dad include being part of the Dixie Davis Band, beginning at age 16. The band traveled to many of the local dance halls and other venues to play Big Band music at a time when people loved to dance and really knew how to "cut a rug."

Gary also had a lifelong love of cars. He was a walking encyclopedia of every make and model of vintage autos and loved to travel to car shows.

At age 18, Gary and his best friend joined the Navy and served in active duty during the Korean War. He served as a signaler and a pointer on the 5-inch gun aboard a Navy destroyer, the USS Uhlmann. He survived 3 typhoons while serving on the Uhlmann - one in the Sea of Japan, one in Taiwan, and one in the Philippines. Gary was a proud member of American Legion Post 213 and VFW Post 2939.

After discharge from the Navy Gary married and raised 4 children with his first wife, Jane, in Liberty, Indiana. He spent his working years as the circulation manager for the Palladium Item and Graphic Press newspapers in Richmond, IN, after divorcing in 1984, Gary eventually moved back to Tell City, where he married Dorothy Scheler Newton, who preceded him in death in December 2022.

Along with Dorothy, Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Edith Starkey, his sister Betty (Knobeloch) Hilgers, brother-in-law, Charles Knobeloch, and a nephew Larry Knobeloch.

He is survived by his children, Phillip Starkey of Bloomington; Steve Casey of Liberty; Tracy (Jim) Stuteville of Evansville; and Jon Starkey (Melissa Keller) of Everton; grandchildren Jamie Stuteville (Luis Hull) of Evansville, Desiree (Scott) Briner of Texas, and Jon (Amanda) Starkey of Connersville, and six great-grandchildren.

Our dad became a Christian in 1986 and knows it was the best decision he ever made. He would want anyone reading this to consider doing the same. Eternity is real and he would want you to spend it in Heaven.

We are so very grateful to everyone at North River Health Campus in Evansville and Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent care our dad has been given. Your kindness and compassion have truly made a difference during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Perry County Humane Society PO Box 21 or 444 Main St, Tell City, IN 47586 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the funeral home followed by burial with military honors at Greenwood Cemetery. Gary's son-in-law, Jim Stuteville, will officiate. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family from 12:30 until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

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