Richard Starkey

Richard C. (Rick) Starkey, 52, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009, at his home, after a courageous five month battle with an aggressive lung cancer. He was born June 9, 1957, the son of J. Wayne and Dora Starkey.

Rick was a graduate of Topeka West High School; attended colleges in Alamogordo, N.M. and Emporia, and vocational schools in Alabama and Topeka.

Rick was most recently employed with Higgins Quarry.

Rick's favorite pastimes included fishing and hunting. Near and dear to his heart were his two cats, Morris and Echo.

Survivors include his mother; grandmother, Mary Romanzi of Pittsburg, KS; four brothers, Joe (Darlene) Starkey of Alamogordo, N.M., Steve Starkey, Jim (Sherlyn) Starkey, Jack Starkey, and one sister, Linda (Bernie) Trompeter, all of Topeka; four nieces and four nephews, and eight grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1998.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 11, at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Rick will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Hospice Care Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, 66606.