Thomas Merritt Starker

Thomas Merritt Starker of Houston, Texas, died peacefully in his home on May 25, 2014, following a battle with cancer. Born in Munich, Germany, October 15, 1953, Preceding him in death: His Father: Brigadier General Joseph B. Starker, Nephew: John Bradley Witherspoon, Sister-in-law: Phillis J. Cameron and Brother-in-law: Michael D. Willis. Tom leaves to mourn his wife Gwinnette B. Starker, Mother: Sallie Tom Merritt Starker, Mother–in-Law: Mattlyne Dukes, Sister: Susan Dahl Witherspoon (Little Rock, Arkansas) & Sallie Carleton Melton (Leavenworth, Kansas); Sister-in-law: (Leroy) & Elandis W. Cashe; Brother-in-law Lee G. & (Marsha) Willis; Nieces: Kaja M. Cameron (Atlanta, Georgia), Medina J. Willis ( Austin, Texas), Catherine Brooks Witherspoon ( Little Rock, Arkansas), Mary Carroll Melton (Kansas City, Kansas), Sallie Elizabeth Witherspoon (Little Rock, Arkansas), Morgan I. Willis ( Houston, Texas) ; Nephews: Christopher A. & (Chemedria) Cameron ( Atlanta, Georgia) Agyei & (Amanda) Stubbs ( Houston, Texas), Neal P Melton, (Kansas City, Kansas), Joseph M. Melton (New York, New York), Grantlin I. Willis ( Houston, Texas); Great Grand Nephews: Jabari C. Copeland & Cameron Tate Copeland (Atlanta, Georgia), Colby C. Cameron & Chase A. Cameron (Atlanta, Georgia); Great Grand Nieces: Kennedy Cameron ( Atlanta, Georgia) & Amani C. Stubbs (Houston, Texas); Godsons: Deadrick Howard, (Houston, Texas), Shamari F. Robinson (Atlanta, Georgia) & Edher Curdenas (Houston, Texas) and a host of friends and colleagues. Tom was a gifted linguist and spent his thirty-two year career as a translator of Russian and Slavic languages.If a book were written about Tom, his character would be described as “Everyman”. Tom had a boundless sense of adventure, finding new friends wherever he went. He had a deep love of family, taking great pride in the accomplishments of his many nephews and nieces. Tom was an avid sports fan and an intellectual genius, devouring both books and baseball. Complex but simple, Tom was hard-working, honest, humble, generous, and kind. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.

Thomas Merritt Starker

October 15, 1953 - May 25, 2014