Mervin F. “Mervie” Starkey, 83 of Bismarck, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family. A memorial visitation will be on Saturday, September 17th from 3-5pm at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville.
Merv was born on June 10, 1939 in Danville to Rolland and Dorris (Johnson) Starkey. He attended Danville schools, graduating from DHS in 1959 and going on to attend Danville Junior College for nearly two years. Merv worked for Danville Metal and later at General Motors as a Tool and Die Machinist, retiring when they left Danville. He later went back to work at Bumper Works, Guardian and Flex n Gate for another several years. Merv was a member of Olive Branch Masonic Lodge, and a lifetime member of Bowman Avenue Methodist Church. He attended First Church of the Nazarene most recently.
On November 6, 1959, Merv married Judy Davis after a short courtship, and the two have spent the past sixty-three years by each other’s sides. Merv enjoyed gardening, ensuring that his yard was always immaculate. He liked to watch Illini Basketball and Football games and was an avid Jeopardy home player. He and Judy enjoyed their summer home at Leisure Time and traveling together on cruises. A good game of golf and concerts at Lincoln Park were also favorite weekly past times he enjoyed while his health allowed it. Merv was an amazing Dad and Grandpa, and was always there for dance recitals, games, and school events. People often confused him for Dick Van Dyke, in looks and personality, and he used it as a conversation starter. He loved to talk to people.
Mervie leaves behind his wife Judy; his two children: Laura (Randy) Verhoeven and Scott (Jennifer) Starkey; three grandchildren: Christopher (Meghann) Mullendore, Zachary Keith (Kelsey), and Jordyn Starkey; and six great-grandchildren: Kinley, Ophelia, Ryder, Alec, Valor, and Max. His sister Judy Swider and sister-in-law Sue Roderick will also greatly miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Bill, Jim, Wayne, and Jack; his two sisters: Carmen and Nancy; and an infant sister Donna.
Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. Donations may be made in Merv’s name to the Bismarck Lion’s Club.
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