Fred Starnes,

Fred Starnes, age 81, of Bethlehem, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Catawba Regional Hospice. He was born Tuesday, February 27, 1934 to the late W.T. and Maude Downs Starnes in Alexander County. He was a member of Mt. Bethel UMC. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Fred was a avid gardener, enjoyed drag racing, and loved spending time with his family. Mr. Starnes was a professional truck driver, as an owner-operator, and later retired from Kroehler Transportation.

In addition to his parents Fred was preceded in death by a infant sister, two brothers; Tom, & Bill, six sisters; Maybell Starnes, Marie Spencer, Rachel Lail, Clara Hall, Ruth Austin, & Zelma Austin.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years Ruth Rae Yount Starnes, three boys; F. Tim Starnes, Kenny Starnes, & Brian Stewart Starnes, two daughters; Amy Warren & fiancé Jerry Pardue, Beth Hyatt & husband Robert Hyatt, one granddaughter Jacqueline Moose & husband Phillip Moose, three great grandchildren; Caleb, Lukas, & Bash, one special Aunt Florence Y. Teague, a special friend who was like a son, David Henderson and a number of nieces, and nephews.

Visitation is 10:00-11:00 am Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Mt. Bethel UMC, with the memorial service following at 11:00 am. The Rev. Steve Johnson will be officiating. Burial will take place in the Mt. Bethel UMC cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658 or Mt. Bethel UMC 9042 NC-127, Hickory, NC 28601