A. John Startz

John was born on April 20, 1924, in Liberty, Kansas to John and Martha Startz. After serving in the US Army 14th Armored Division in World War II, he graduated from the University of Kansas in 1948 and came to the area where he started his over 30-year career as a Chemical Engineer with Texaco Research in Port Arthur. John supported youth baseball leagues and was known for his “Eye like a hawk” cheer. He also enjoyed watching sports—especially KU basketball—and spending time on his farm, using his 1950s Ford Golden Jubilee tractor that he restored. John was also active in his community and his church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Groves.

A gathering of friends and family will take place from 4:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2010, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home with a rosary at 7:00 p.m... A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Groves with Msgr. Don Golasinski serving as the Celebrant. Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.

John was survived by his wife of over 55years, Alfa Lee Courville Startz of Groves; sons, John David Startz and James Edward Startz both of Houston; brothers, Elmer Startz and his wife Colleen of Midland, Texas and James Startz of Kansas City, Missouri; sister-in-law Tillie Armstrong of Seguin; grandchildren, Marion Startz and William Startz; step-grandchild, Artem Musiychenko; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents: son, Robert Michael Startz; sister, Connie Dolenz; and brothers, Clarence Startz and Raymond Startz.