Johnnie (John) Lee Starks passed away of natural causes at the age of 83 with his wife and daughter by his side on January 9, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John was born on October 19, 1940, in Arkansas to Ernestine "Madea" Cole and Howard Parker Starks, he moved to Detroit Michigan at the age of 7 where he and his seven younger siblings were raised by his mother and stepfather Lenard Curry. John attended Northwestern High School in Detroit, Michigan.

John was an entertainer by trade and was known as "Johnnie of the doo-wop duo Marvin and Johnnie, He moved to California in 1964 where he was a regular performer at the Brass Rail and several other night clubs in the Los Angeles area, he later worked for Atlantic Richfield, he decided to make a career change later in life and went to work for the Chumash Casino in the Security Department where he was known as the "Candy Man", he retired from there at the age of 65.

Not being one to sit around, he then had a "retirement job" with his daughter Lavern and stepson Tony in the tradeshow industry which truly enjoyed. John had an impeccable work ethic and never let his family go without.

John loved to have jam sessions, play dominoes with his best friend and brother-in-law Kenneth, work out, refinish furniture, and work in his garden. John enjoyed being a member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene for many years and attended every Sunday up until his health prevented him from attending in person.

John was the fun uncle and even more fun grandfather to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved to have a good time, he always made sure those around him were included in the fun and he was always ready for a party. John was known for his acceptance of others and made everyone feel welcome in his home and his presence.

As John's journey was coming to an end there are special people who lovingly helped Janet, Shannon, & Nick take care of him. A special thank you to Malia Barcelona, Ruben Birdsell, Mellissa Flores, his home health aide, and Angelica Alvarez his RN, of Santa Maria Hospice.

John was a devoted husband and married to the love of his life Janet for 50 years, they would have celebrated 51 years next month, and between them, they had six girls.

John was preceded in death by his mother Ernestine Curry, father Howard Parker Starks, father Lenard Curry, sisters Thelma Barnes, Stella Rondeau, and Ruby Smith and his brother Sipeo Starks.

John is survived by his loving wife Janet Starks, his children Cheryl Williams (Paul), Anita Laverne Starks, Andrea Starks, Leanne Larson (Paul), Shiree Nikki Florez, Shannon Barcelona (Nick), Joseph Neil (Amanda), his grandchildren Porshia Williams, Stefanie Williams, Samantha Ortega (Derrek), Kaylan Poindexter, Nicholas Barcelona, Deven Larson, Jordan Larson (Kenzie), Raul "RJ" Florez, Adrian "AJ" Florez, Nathan Barcelona and Malia Barcelona, his great-grandchildren Tony Ortega, Fabian Hernandez Florez, Jennifer Florez, Joshua Williams, Reylina Florez, Elias Ortega, Brooklyn Ortega, and Zaya Florez, his sisters Janice Willis (Art), Sharon Jackson, Lynn Jackson (Bobby), Lenard "Sonny" Curry (Pearl), Harry Curry (Vickie), and his numerous nieces and nephews.

John will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A viewing will be at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary for Family on January 25, 2024, from 4-5 pm and for his friends from 5-7 pm.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene on January 26, 2024, at 11:00 am with Pastor Art Willis Officiating with internment directly after the service at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

The family would like to invite friends to join us to celebrate John's life directly after the services at Events Mission Valley, 138 North B Street, Lompoc CA 93436.