Muriel Lee Starns was born July 5, 1954 to Elmer and Dona Starns in Bristow, Oklahoma. He departed this life December 2, 2020 at the age of 66 years, 4 months, and 27 days.
Merel, as known by everyone, was a 1973 graduate of Depew High School and remained a lifetime Depew/Bristow area resident. Merel and Ruth Self were united in marriage December 7, 1984 in Bristow, Oklahoma. To this union were born two children, Rachel and Rebecca. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He worked for many years at First Baptist Church in Bristow as a custodian, then transferring to Bristow Public Schools to work until his retirement in 2016.
Merel grew a vegetable garden every year. As well, he spent countless hours out in nature, fishing and hunting. He was also an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan and enjoyed watching football with his family. Rest assured if a Western was on TV, he was watching. Of all these things, nothing overshadowed his love for his Lord and Savior and the love for his family. The family attended Grace Refuge, faithfully serving the Lord for many years. Family get-togethers was something Merel always looked forward to. His grandchildren brought him great joy and he treasured spending time with them. He very much enjoyed dressing up and playing cowboys with his grandson. Also, it was not unusual to see him with makeup and pink fingernail polish on from letting his granddaughter give him a makeover.
Merel is survived by his wife, Ruth Starns, of the Bristow home; two daughters, Rachel Looney and husband Derrick and Rebecca Starns; two sisters, Linda Taylor and Donna Strutton and husband Bill; one brother, Richard Starns and wife Jeannie; two grandchildren, Harper and Jackson Looney; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Larry Starns.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Trinity Baptist Church in Bristow with Reverends Johnny Plum and John Tidwell officiating. The service will be live streamed through the Trinity Baptist Church facebook page. A private family interment will follow.
