Lonnie R. Starr, age 94, peacefully passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on August 19, 2026, leaving this earthly life to enter into the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Lonnie lived a long and blessed life, one defined not by words or recognition, but by a quiet and steadfast devotion to the things he held most dear: God, family, and country.
He was born to Rosa Baldwin Starr and Orvel Starr, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
In 1954, Lonnie married Ann, the love of his life, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span an extraordinary 72 years of marriage. Not everyone is given the blessing of growing old beside the person they love, and Lonnie and Ann knew what a precious gift they had been given. Through every season of life, they remained by one another’s side, building a life centered on faith, family, and love.
Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his sons, Robert Starr and Robin Starr (Joan); his grandson, Lon Starr (Haley); his granddaughters, Julia Ann Starr, Carrie Martin (Casey), and Kelsey Lott (Bruce); and eleven great-grandchildren, who were blessed to know and love their great-grandfather.
Lonnie proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy, a chapter of his life that remained very meaningful to him. With his son Robert serving as his sponsor, Lonnie had the great honor of traveling to Washington, D.C., on a Veterans Honor Trip. It was an experience that recognized the service and sacrifice he had proudly carried with him throughout his life.
Another particularly meaningful journey gave Lonnie the opportunity to once again go aboard the USS New Jersey, the ship on which he served during his time in the Navy. To stand aboard that ship again many years later was a special connection between the young sailor he had once been and the long, full life that followed.
In 1961, Lonnie and Ann moved to Columbia, Tennessee, where they built their home and continued raising their family. Through the years, Lonnie always said that when retirement came, they would return home to Alabama. He retired from Custom Steel Fabricators, Inc., and true to his word, in 2000, he and Ann returned to Hartselle, Alabama, where they made their home for the remainder of his life.
Lonnie was a reserved and private man who found joy in life’s simple blessings. He loved sitting on his deck, quietly watching the wildlife and enjoying God’s creation. He and Ann enjoyed traveling together and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, but some of his greatest happiness was found simply in spending time with his family.
Above all else, Lonnie was a man of deep and abiding faith. He loved the Lord and treasured God’s Word. Reading his Bible was an important part of his daily life, and he faithfully read through the Bible every year. His faith was not something he merely spoke about, it was something he lived. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hartselle, where he faithfully served as a deacon.
Lonnie’s life was a testament to faithfulness: faithfulness to his God, faithfulness to his wife, faithfulness to his family, and faithfulness to his country. His legacy can be found in the family he loved, the marriage he cherished, the country he served, and the faith that carried him throughout his 94 years.
After 72 years of marriage, countless memories, travels, quiet days together, and a lifetime of love, Lonnie leaves behind his beloved Ann with a legacy few are fortunate enough to experience, a love that endured nearly three-quarters of a century. They were blessed to grow old together, walking side by side through life’s joys and sorrows, always with faith at the center of their home.
Honoring his request, there will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family only. In recognition of Lonnie’s honorable service to his country, two representatives of the United States Navy will be present to render military honors, including the playing of “Taps” and the presentation of the American flag.
Though his family will deeply miss his presence, they find comfort in knowing that the faith Lonnie carried throughout his life has now become sight.
He faithfully read God’s promises year after year. Now, he rests in the presence of the One who made him.
Peck Funeral Home
