Martin Richard Starks was born August 28, 1953 in Anthony, Kansas, one of two sons born to Wallace Richard and Madeline Mae (Jensen) Starks, whose parents were pioneers of the community.  He spent his childhood on the family farm near Manchester, Oklahoma.  He attended grade school at Manchester and graduated from Burlington High School. He attended classes at Northwestern State University in Alva, OK, Northern Oklahoma College in Enid, OK, and Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.

Growing up his family custom harvested from Canada to Texas every year.  During these harvests, Richard met and made many friends.  One in particular was a 12 year old girl, Carolyn Sue Preston, who he met at age 13 in Punkin Center, Texas.  Richard's passion was farming and ranching so he made a lifelong career out of it.  He farmed alongside his brother, Rickie and their dad.   They also raised pigs, cattle, and horses.  He and his father also owned a Dozer Service.

In 1977, Richard was blessed with his son, Damien.  Growing up Damien remembers spending time checking cattle and going fishing with his dad.  As Damien grew older, he became Richard's personal chauffer.  Richard taught Damien many skills including mechanics and farming trades.

Many years later, Richard went to great lengths to track down Carolyn and was successful in 2010 when they rekindled their friendship, which eventually led to much more.  The last ten years they have happily shared life with one another, splitting their time between Lakeside City, Texas and Enid, Oklahoma.  After retiring from farming he did small engine repair work.

Richard loved spending time with Carolyn.  He would wait on her hand and foot.  Cooking, cleaning, fixing things around the house were his normal daily activities to ensure Carolyn was taken care of.  Being outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and yard work, were some of his favorite pastimes throughout his life.  During their time in Texas, they spent numerous hours playing games with grandchildren, Haley and Austin.

On March 25, 2020, Richard passed away in Wichita Falls, Texas, with Carolyn by his side, at the age of 66.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rickie.

Richard will be deeply missed by his love, Carolyn; his son, Damien Starks and wife, Brenda and their children, Chandler and Channing; son, Bryan Wittlinger and wife, Melissa and their children, Haley and Austin; son, Anthony Wittlinger; special cousin, Serena Murphy Ferrera; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at the Manchester Cemetery, south of Manchester, Oklahoma.  Friends may register 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas.

Memorials in memory of Richard may be made to the Enid Maine Nazarene Church or to a Church of Donor's Choice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St. ~ Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.