Ashby Childs “Red” Starke, Jr., 88, of 1902 S. Kadel Ave., passed away on Saturday April 15, 2023, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Starke was born on March 22, 1935, in Boston, MA, a son of the late Ashby Starke Sr. and Florence Nelson Starke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Garnet; two sisters, Lorretta Jordan and Evelyn Hall; and two brothers, Bill Starke and Donald Starke.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was the owner/operator of Red’s Construction Company. He always found something to do and enjoyed making, building, and fixing stuff. He also enjoyed traveling.

In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years Linda Persinger Starke of Covington; grand daughter Leslie Schaufelberger and husband Steven; great grandchildren Dalton Schaufelberger, Devin Schaufelberger, and Harley Schaufelberger; a step son J.J. Meadows and wife Candace of Covington; a step granddaughter Shyann Miller; a sister Regina Ashby of SC; a brother Roger Starke and Edna McKinley of Chesterfield; special friends Donna Crush, James Griever, and John Wickline and wife Phyllis; his beloved cat Hard Rock; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at a later date.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.