Starling Guinn, son of the late Charles Guinn and Erdie McCastlin Guinn, was born on April 29, 1924 in Senath and departed this life on January 27, 2015 at Dexter at the age of 90.
Starling was known as a man of honesty and integrity. His word was his word. He was respected for his common sense and sound advice.
A member of the First Baptist Church, Dexter, for 60 years, he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday school for over 35 years. He has been described as someone who embodied the phrase "walking his talk". He believed in serving others and (even into his 80's) could be found volunteering at Small Wonders Pre-School. He was generous but preferred his kind acts to be anonymous.
Starling served in the Air Force during WW II and the Korean Conflict. His story was chronicled in "Hometown Heroes". He once said his most valuable possession was his draft card because it allowed him to attend and graduate from Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University).
He had a passion for fishing and knew all of the best spots at Wappapello Lake. He and his wife had a cabin there for many years and was known for their fish fry events and hospitality.
His legacy will be the values and wisdom he shared with his family and friends.
On February 7, 1974, he was united in marriage to Betty Collins in Dexter. Mrs. Guinn survives of their residence in Dexter.
Besides his wife he is survived by four daughters and their spouses, Sharon Chase of Avon Lake, Ohio, Debbie and Charles Kennamer of Avon Lake, Ohio, Pamela and Ron Kingston of Euless, Texas, Sherry and Jim Paules of Grapevine, Texas; by one brother, Verlis Guinn of Paragould, Arkansas; by one sister, Georgia Scherer of Benton, Missouri; and by three granddaughters, one grandson and four great-grandsons.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Guinn and E. J. Guinn and by two sisters, Cynthia Starnes and Sue Johnson.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Funeral services will then be conducted on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Don Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that all donations be made to the Stoddard County Children’s Home, Memorial Tribute Fund, P.O. Box 164, Dexter, Missouri 63841.
