Richard Starr

Memorial services for Richard R. Starr, 85, Lawrence will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Trinity Episcopal Church Chapel, Lawrence.  Mr. Starr died on August 7, 2011 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar. 
Richard was born on March 2, 1926 in Lincoln, Nebraska the son of Ira and Lois (Jackson) Starr.  He grew up in Great Bend, Kansas. 

Richard served in the US Army during World War II.  When he returned, Richard attended The University of Kansas and graduated from the School of Engineering and Architecture in 1950.  He was a partner in Woods and Starr Architects in Hays, Kansas for 30 years.  After retirement in 1982 he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he received a BFA in Sculpture and Painting from the College of Santa Fe.  Richard was a Founder of the Kansas Arts Commission and Hays Arts Council in the 1960’s.  He served as the AIA President in 1963.  Richard served on the Board of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas and the College of Santa Fe. 

He married Ruth Walters in 1948 in Kinsley, Kansas.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his daughter, Suzanne Starr Hanagriff and husband, Ron Hanagriff and granddaughter, Emily Hanagriff of Houston, Texas; sister, Jackie Brown, of Florida; brother-in-law, Gene Walters and wife, Carolyn Walters, of Arizona; Nephews, Sam and Ricki Brown and Billy Walters.

In Lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to the Hays Arts Council and may be sent to Hays Arts Council, 112 E. 11th Street, Hays, KS  67601.
 

7 Condolences

  1. Nancy (Kahn) Ness on August 9, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Dear Mrs. Starr and daughter, Suzie,
    I don’t know if you’ll remember me. I drove out with you, Suzie, to Hays for Thanksgiving in 1969.
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember all of you with true fondness. Thanksgiving with you and your family at Fort Hays was my first holiday away from my family. You were all so kind and gracious to me!
    What a gift your Dad/Husband was to his family and community. My love to you both!
    I hope you’ll seek me out on Facebook under the name Nancy Ness in Baldwin, Kansas. I still think about you all. It would be nice to reconnect.
    Again, my condolences on your loss.
    Yours, Nancy, smiling and remembering



  2. Liz King Pearce on August 9, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Dear Ruth and Suzanne and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time, but your family is intertwined with my memories of growing up in Hays. You were part of the fabric of a community that is near and dear to my heart. I pray this time of loss will also be a time of great memories and wonderful outpouring of reconnection. Blessings to you all. Liz



  3. robyn herzog on August 9, 2011 at 8:08 am

    so sorry to hear bout richerd
    he always has a smile that could lite up a room
    he will be miss at brandwoods
    robyn herzog dietry aide
    bwoods



  4. Lynn (Clark) Burke on August 9, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Ruth and Suzie, I was so sorry to read this. I remember fondly all the time we spent sketching in the country or playing while your parents worked on their rental house down by the university. Your dad was always so nice to me as a tagalong.



  5. Bob & Pat Schmidt on August 10, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Dearest Ruthie & family: We send our deepest sympathy for you & Suzie. We have so many memories of the good times with you and Dick including the trip to Las Vegas. And there was one on a special anniversary celebration of yours. Remember? We hope to see you again—just know we will miss Dick too. Our love, Bob & Pat.
    P.S. It was thoughtful of you to suggest the Memorial for Dick at the Hays Arts Council where he will always be remembered. We will be pleased to respond to that.



  6. Bob & Pat Schmidt on August 11, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Dearest Ruthie & family: We send our deepest sympathy for you & Suzie. We have so many memories of the good times with you and Dick including the trip to Las Vegas. And there was one on a special anniversary celebration of yours. Remember? We hope to see you again—just know we will miss Dick too. Our love, Bob & Pat.
    P.S. It was thoughtful of you to suggest the Memorial for Dick at the Hays Arts Council where he will always be remembered. We will be pleased to respond to that.



  7. Wayne Brungardt on August 11, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    Dear Ruth,Suzie and family,
    So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He accomplished so much in his life; something for the rest of us to emulate. I have very fond memories of my years working with Dick, especially those long trips to Topeka to meet with State officials. He was the consumate professional, and a great artist. God bless you all.



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