Charles Starks

Charles Starks, Jr., 80, of Poplar Bluff, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006 at his residence.

Mr. Starks was born Nov. 30, 1925 in Portageville, MO. He was a friend of the Church of the Nazarene. A retired veteran of the United States Army, he served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Starks served with L Company 9th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1950 to 1951. On March 6, 1951, Lt. Starks was engaged in combat at Mun-Sune Korea when his unit was ordered to overtake and occupy numerous hills, which were at the time occupied by Chinese troops. Lt. Starks lead the 3rd Platoon through numerous assaults on Hill 667, maintaining and holding their positions for 3 days of heavy enemy assaults despite being wounded. Lt. Starks was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his heroic service. In June of 1951, Lt. Starks was wounded again and received his second Purple Heart. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. He enjoyed fishing.

On Aug. 24, 1992, he married Louise Hankins. She preceded him in death on Dec. 26, 2005.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandy Livingston, of Poplar Bluff and Katrina Starks, of Branson; two sons, Dennis Sisson, of Poplar Bluff and Larry Starks; eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Billy Dean Starks, of Birch Tree.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, at Bloomfield with the Rev. Greg Gilberto officiating and the Rev. Jim Hoyt assisting.