W8ITT 1920 - 2017
W8ITT - Joe Starkey Joe Starkey
Toledo, OH

QCWA # 17604
Chapter 142
First Call: WN8ITT in 1955

Joseph Starkey Jr., 96, of Walbridge, Ohio, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017 at Otterbein Portage Valley, Pemberville, Ohio. Joe was born on Sunday, September 12, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio, to Joseph and Beatrice (Russell) Starkey. Mr. Starkey was a lifelong resident of East Toledo, graduating from Waite High School in 1938. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served as a locomotive engineer, transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia. After returning from military service, he worked for T & OC, New York Central, Penn Central, and Conrail Railroads, retiring in 1981 after 36 years of service. On February 7, 1948, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Hatch.

Joe will be remembered for his ability to fix anything. His favorite hobby was being an amateur radio operator, talking to friends all over the world with the call sign 'W8ITT', which he proudly displayed on his license plate for 58 years. He loved to tell stories about his life in complete detail; especially to his caregivers at Otterbein. Joe adored and admired his grandchildren and bragged endlessly about their accomplishments. Joe will be fondly remembered as a Dad, Papa, Papa Joe, and Pops. His 4 unique great-grandsons will always remember his advice: 'Learn anything you can' and 'You done good, kid'.

Joe is survived by his son, Joseph Starkey III; daughter, Debbie ( Paul) Lenkey; grandchildren, Heather ( Jeffrey) Beam, Justin (Stephanie) Lenkey; great-grandsons, Parker, Spencer, and Avery Lenkey and Elliot Beam; sister-in-law, Jackie Hatch; along with many nieces, loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; and brother, Stanley.

The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Otterbein Portage Valley or Clark Street United Methodist Church. Joe's family wishes to thank the staff of Otterbein Portage Valley and his hospice nurse and aide for their loving care and compassion. .See you later, Alligator.