William "Bill" Starr

William (Bill) Starr, 82, passed away at Hospice House in Hutchinson, Kansas, on June 12, 2021. He was born to Russell and Hazel Starr in Kansas City, Kansas, on May 16, 1939. He grew up in Soldier, Kansas. He married Carol Pollock on July 3, 1958, they later divorced. He lived and worked in Topeka until relocating to Great Bend when they bought the Drummer Boy Restaurant. Bill’s passion was anti ques and he became a dealer having shops in Lyons, then Ellinwood and then Lyons again. He traveled doing antique shows all over the United States. He loved the history of Ellinwood and worked to preserve that history. He owned and operated Starr Antiques in the old Wolf Hotel for many years. He loved to give tours of the underground tunnels. He moved to Lyons in 2011. He and his best friend Michael Gillespie owned and operated Starr Rentals. Bill is survived by Michael Gillespie; daughter, Jill Vierthaler and husband Greg of Spearville; son, Neal Starr and wife Brenda of Oberlin; daughter-in-law; Kimberly Starr of Great Bend; grandchildren, Alicia Stoltenberg, Rachele Vierthaler, Zachariah Starr, Mark Starr, and Paul Starr; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death in death by his son, Thad Starr; his parents, and brothers, Lewis and Richard Starr; sister, Lois Mae; and friend, Jim Elliott. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Lyons, with Pastor Kim Shank officiating. Burial will be at Lakin Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood at a later date. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Lyons in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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