Obituary of Donald Hamlin Starks
CHATHAM –
Donald Hamlin Starks, 59, of Chatham, ended his very courageous 8-year battle for life on November 21, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born May 4, 1965, in Rutland, Vermont, he was the son of the late John Todd and Katherine (Wilkins) Starks, and was a lifetime Chatham resident. An avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting, Donald had the pictures and the turkey beards and the deer antlers to prove it. He also enjoyed the process of readying his catch for cooking. Donald was talented with the barbecue and his wood smoker, his smoked turkey breast was superb! Strongly opinionated and very stubborn is how he lived his life, always on his own terms. Family was most important to Donald and he was passionately protective of each member of his family. His favorite title was that of "Papa" (his grandchildren Brooke and Carter Starks were his world).
Besides his parents, he was predeceased in death by his sister Tammy VanAlstyne, as well as his brothers-in-law: Tim VanAlstyne and James (Pookie) Brown.
Donald is survived by his wife of 40+ years, Mary VanAlstyne, his son Donald “DJ” Starks, Jr. (Stephanie) and daughter Candice Dutcher. Beloved grandchildren: Brooke and Carter Starks.; sister Laurie Johnson; In-laws: Louis and (Joann) Peanie VanAlstyne; sister-in-law Terry Ann (Rufus) Overby; brothers-in-law: William (Jr) and Manny (Louis Jr) VanAlstyne. Nieces: Samantha VanAlstyne and Amber Snyder (Rob). Nephews: Charlie Bost, Will and Randy VanAlstyne. Special “bonus niece” and caregiver: Ginny Dutcher and “bonus nephew” Eric O’Dell all of Chatham. Also surviving are two aunts: Sue Bates and Nancy Brown, both of Vermont, and a host of cousins, including Judd Starks of Hudson, NY.
Per Donald's wishes there will be no funeral. A Celebration of his life will take place in the spring. Private burial will be in the Chatham Rural Cemetery.
Our entire family wishes to thank the Staff of the Community Hospice for their unending support.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chatham Lions Club (online at: www.chathamlions.com) Cards of Condolence may be sent to the residence at: 47 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, NY 12037.
Cremation Arrangements were entrusted to Simple Choices, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family of Donald Hamlin Starks, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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