Gerald "Pete" Porter Starnes

He was raised in Caruthers, CA where he spent most of his time playing basketball, working the family farm, and teaching Sunday school at the Caruthers Church of the Nazarene. He graduated from Caruthers High School in 1952.

After graduation, starting a family and moving to Fresno, Pete began his career of 60+ years in transportation. First delivering petroleum up and down the central valley before embarking on a public transportation career that took him all over the California for the remaining 56 years. Majority of those years were spent with Greyhound bus, as well as various local charter companies and Fresno City College which was a highlight for him. He was a hard worker who loved people and took seriously his role of getting people to their destination on time and safely. Pete was so skilled at his job he could get the bus into places other could not, no one was walking far if he could help it. Always with a smile and helping hand! He never had an at fault accident in all those years. As an avid sports enthusiast some of best times were with the Fresno State football and softball teams, as well as Fresno City baseball and soccer teams who he drove regularly. He found great pride and joy in cheering on all the local sports teams.

He was remarried in 1972 to Patricia C. Starnes where they made a home in Clovis before moving to Coarsegold in 2007. They enjoyed 51 years together traveling all over the US visiting friends, family and serving together in their local church.

Pete was a lifelong jogger and dedicated Fresno Bee reader. He spent many Father’s Day mornings running in the bee sponsored run before church. In retirement he could be found at any one of our local golf courses in the area.

As a stalwart member in the church of the Nazarene he served in various capacities as board member, Sunday school teacher, camp meeting treasurer, and of course bus driver whenever needed. Finding a new church home in retirement at Yosemite Lakes Community Church, where he continued to serve. His love of the Lord was evident in all he did. Especially the love and care he showed his family. You never left his presence without a big hug and an I love you. He was quick to forgive and offer help whenever he was able. He will be deeply missed.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Patricia C. Starnes of Coarsegold; his son Lonnie Starnes (Reba) of Clovis, CA; and his daughter Tonya Priest (Justin) of Clovis, CA; his brother Darrell Starnes (Earline) of Fresno, CA. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents John and Nola "Ruth" Starnes; his son Lance Starnes; his brother Harold Starnes and his sister Anna Faye Swaim.

A Celebration of Life for Gerald will be held Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Fresno Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist Church, (former building of Calvary Church of the Nazarene) 5375 North Maroa Avenue, Fresno, California 93704.

A special thank you for the exceptional care provided by Jeffery T Gardner, MD. Hinds Hospice and A-Plus in home care.