Last updated on November 2, 2021
Wayne DeVon Starkweather passed away peacefully in his home in Rockwall, Texas on October 23, 2021, at the age of 77. He was born on November 27, 1943, in Bremen, Indiana to Don and Dorothy Starkweather. With his family, he moved to Kerrville, Texas in 1948, later moving to the Dallas area in 1951.
Wayne had a 40-year career with Texas Instruments. In 1994, he transitioned to Raytheon as a chief engineer providing him the opportunity to move to Tucson, Arizona in 1999. Due to his exceptional contributions, Wayne was recognized by Raytheon for his expertise as an Associate Technical Fellow and was respected by all who worked with him. He retired in 2006 and returned to Texas to be closer to family.
In the 15 years after returning to Texas, Wayne and Joan developed lifelong friends in Rockwall who have become like family and also share the loss of a wonderful friend.
Wayne had a love for the outdoors. His passion took him all over Texas hunting whitetail deer, hunting elk in Colorado, and moose in Alaska. In his later years, he focused his love for the outdoors on his yard, garden, and flowerbeds.
Wayne was involved in several community activities. Through the years he served on the school board for Metropolitan Christian School, was a marshal and ambassador at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, was involved in men’s Bible Studies at Lake Pointe Church, was the unofficial photographer for family and friends’ social events and most importantly he enjoyed cheering for Emma and Witt at their ball games and other activities.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Don and Dorothy Starkweather, brother David Starkweather, sister Leola Beaty, son Kevin Starkweather, and daughter Sheree Starkweather Durham.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Diffee Starkweather, sons Rick Starkweather of Grapevine, Texas, Darrell Starkweather and wife Kristi of Frisco, Texas, grandchildren Emma and Witt, and nephew Kenneth Beaty. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Charlotte Diffee and Cheryll Diffee and numerous other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Friday, November 12, 2021, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home, State Hwy 66 East, Rockwall, Texas 75087.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Meals on Wheels.
Alzheimer’s Association
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation
Rockwall Meals on Wheels
https://rockwallmealsonwheels.org/donation/
