Hugh Starks

Hugh A. Starks, a lifelong resident of Midland, died at age 88 on Friday, May 28 in Traverse City. Hugh was born in Midland on May 7, 1922 to the late Stephen L. and Effie (Adriance) Starks. He graduated from Midland High School in 1940 and attended the University of Colorado before enlisting in the Army Air Corps where he served in Italy and Austria. After World War II he resumed his education at the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then began his 41 year career at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland. Hugh married Ruth Eileen Charlesworth on June 26, 1948 in Denver, Colorado in a church that was founded in 1858 by his great-uncle, the Reverend Jacob Adriance. Both Hugh and his wife Eileen were well known for their service to the Midland community. He was the first chairman of the Midland Riverdays committee and was also involved with many other local organizations including the Midland County Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, Pere-Marquette Rail-Trail, Rotary Club, United Way of Midland County, the city and county planning commissions, and the Little Forks Conservancy. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, son Stephen Starks, daughters Elizabeth Thompson and Cynthia Torrey, and son Hugh A. Starks, Jr. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Gass, and two grandchildren. A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date at their home in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The family suggests that any contributions be made to the organization of your choice. Please visit Hugh's webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the online guest book and share a message or memory with his family.