Richard Millard Starr

Richard Millard Starr, of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the age of 75.

Born January 12, 1949, in St. Louis, MO to the late Joe and Florence Starr; Richard was the devoted father of Eliot Starr and Emily (Kyle) Falkenrath; and dear brother to Margaret (Stanley) Bozek, Leann Starr, and the late Joan (Victor) Monninger. Richard is also survived by cherished nephews David Graham and Shawn Monninger, and nieces Joni Stevens and India Stevens. 

Richard was studious, graduating from Fort Zumwalt at the top of his class in 1967. He went on to work as a mechanic in the paper and plastics manufacturing industry for nearly 40 years. However, Richard’s true passion in life was music.

He started his first band as a teenager in high school, playing the keyboards and singing. He recorded and produced over 60 original compositions, and he enjoyed the technical aspects of the music recording and audio engineering process. He was a member of six different bands and combos over the years as a hobbyist and professional. He connected with people through music–it was a language he spoke fluently and loved to share with others.

For over 20 years, Richard enjoyed going to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He would review the musician lineup in advance, make a plan to be present for each artist he wanted to see, and attend multiple days in a row to take it all in. It energized him and he loved it.

Richard was also an avid puzzler. He liked to work the NY Times crossword puzzle with a pen, and he played the Wordle and Connections online puzzles, texting everyday with his children to share their results. He enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey teams. He loved swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, enjoying the beach, sun, and water with his three sisters. He liked to watch movies, especially old Turner Classic Movies. He also had a great sense of humor, proclaiming cheerfully during one Father’s Day dinner, “I gave you life, and you give me lobster bisque.”

Richard’s family meant everything to him. He cared for his children with a gentle demeanor, even when they tested his patience. As they grew into adults with busy lives of their own, Richard was an ever-present friend and influence, and he took great pride in who they had become. His humble and loving nature changed everyone who knew him for the better. 

Richard was dearly loved, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Richard was a cancer survivor, the family requests that in lieu of flowers you may donate to the American Cancer Society.