John H. Starkey

John Harrell Starkey, B.A. ’53, M.D. ’57, passed away on Nov. 8, 2025. He was born on Oct. 12, 1930, in McAlister, NM, to JV and Lois Snider Starkey. He grew up in eastern New Mexico, graduating from Portales High School as an All-State basketball player in 1949. Starkey was also a Boys State representative and an Eagle Scout Order of the Arrow. He went to Baylor University on a basketball scholarship, accomplishing all-conference honors and graduating pre-med in 1953. He met the love of his life, L’Nell Walker, B.A. ’53, his freshman year and they married in 1953, recently celebrating their 72-year anniversary.

Starkey graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1957 and finished his medical training in Madison, WI, and Galveston, TX. The growing family moved to Victoria in 1961. He practiced radiology until 2011 in Victoria and the surrounding areas.

In addition to raising five children, Starkey enjoyed golfing, snow skiing and spending time driving his tractor and tending cattle at the family ranch on the Guadalupe River near Thomaston, TX. He found joy watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren having fun out in the country.

Starkey was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Northside Baptist Church. He also served on the Baylor University Board of Regents from 1987-95 and the HEAR Foundation. He was a District Chairman for Boy Scouts of America and a supporter of the Salvation Army and Hospice of South Texas.