With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Lawrence “Larry” Kearns Starner, age 76. Born in Chicago and raised in Ohio, Larry made his home in Poquoson, VA, where he lived for 50 years.
Larry shared 53 years of laughter and love with his wife, Marilyn, after a legendary courtship that began at Ohio University and included countless Friday night marriage proposals at Tony’s (before Marilyn finally said “yes”). Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Tara Rose Starner-Corrow (Chris) of Springfield, VA, and Mandi Laurel Starner DeWitt (Brian) of Wilmington, DE. Larry is also survived by his sister Kathy Noland (Dave) and brother David “Mouse” Starner (Sharon). He is predeceased by his parents, David William Starner and Dorothy Alice Starner, as well as his older brother, Lowell “Buzz” Starner and his wife, Marilyn. Larry was the proud Grandpapi (“Grandpoopy”) to Alice Grace DeWitt and Henry Gaven DeWitt, who adored his endless silliness and jokes.
During his time as a middle school science teacher, Larry was famous for his wild experiments and contagious enthusiasm — who else could make dissecting worms on spaghetti day a rite of passage? His love for learning led him to NASA Langley Research Center, where he wrote programs for testing tiles for space shuttles in the 8-foot wind tunnel. When they were younger, his daughters were convinced he was an astronaut — stargazing, shuttle launches, and meteor showers were favorite family events.
Larry’s green thumb nurtured a house full of plants, especially “Cindy’s orchid,” a living memory of dear friends and family. He loved bowling, sitting on the deck with a glass of wine while observing nature, watching the news, going with his family to the beach, football (Go Browns!), music, and traveling. He was always ready with a joke, a story, or a reason to laugh.
Larry’s warmth, wit, and wonder for the world will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The stars are a little brighter because of him.
