Robert Lee Starkey

Robert Lee Starkey, 82, of Palmer, Nebraska finished his final race to the finish line on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul, Nebraska with his family by his side.

A Celebration of his life will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the American Legion Club in Palmer.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Robert was born on December 21, 1942, to Bruce and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Hild) Starkey in Palmer, Nebraska.  He graduated from Palmer High School in 1960.  He was united in marriage to Maxine DeMary on June 16, 1962, in St. Paul, where they raised their 4 children, Monica, Michele, Michael, and Mark.  He learned at a young age, the “carpentry trade” from his father.  Robert took over the Starkey Construction Company and loved working alongside his sons, Mike and Mark, until Mark took over the business. In retirement, Robert would still drive to the job sites making sure everything was just right. Owning several racehorses, the sound of hooves on the track was always thrilling and he loved meeting trainers, jockeys, and fellow race fans who became friends.  He spent countless hours on the waters of Sherman fishing in tournaments and trying to catch that master angler. Other hobbies included hunting, trapping, and watching Husker volleyball and basketball, he especially took pride in his garden and canning ability...LOVING every minute of it.

Those left to cherish his memory include his life partner, Becky Kolar of Palmer; daughters and sons-in-law, Monica and Randy Simonson of Palmer; Michele and Russell Glynn of Palmer; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael Starkey of St. Paul, Mark and Brenda Starkey of St. Paul; grandchildren and their spouses, Logan and Karly Simonson, Bailey and Darius Williams, Blake Glynn, Courtney and Josh Salmon, Nicole and Vincent Placke, Kyndsay and Devin Herrick, Kassie and Kelly Faimon, Brandon Starkey, Austin and Nicole Starkey; 18 great-grandchildren; sister and brother in law, Linda and Ron Kunze of Palmer, Carol Starkey of Omaha, and last but not least, his beloved dog, Kassie of Palmer.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Minnie Starkey; brother, Bruce Starkey; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Ann and LeRoy Meyer; and grandson, Broedy Starkey.