Ryan Joseph Starkey

In Loving Memory of Ryan Joseph Starkey, January 31, 2006 -- May 10, 2006.

"Ryan Joseph Starkey was born January 31, 2006 in Altus, OK to Ron and Kimberly (Strickland) Starkey. He was loved and cherished by his family and friends. He blessed all that knew him in his short time here. His smile could melt anyone's heart, his laugh washed away any grief the world supplied and his eyes told the story of a brave young man made in the perfect image of his heavenly and worldly father. He will be greatly missed and extravangantly remembered."

"Ryan leaves behind his parents, Ron and Kimberly Starkey of the home; two sisters, six year old Taylor Cheree and three year old Kourtney Nichole; grandparents, Richard and Toni Starkey of Altus, OK, Leonard Strickland of Ft. Worth, TX and Teresa Strickland and Jerry Wilson of Perrin, TX; uncles Ryland Starkey of Altus, OK and Troy Strickland of Breckenridge, TX; a cousin Rachelle and many loving friends of the family."

Ryan was a beautiful baby, and I can't even really imagine what Kim and Ron are going through right now. This was their little boy, and they did every thing they could do. It was his time to go home to Jesus. I know they are comforted by the fact that one day when they are in heaven they will be reunited with Ryan. It's so hard to know that a baby can be gone so quickly. The funeral service today was nice, but the hardest part was when they took that small, baby-sized casket away. I cried as I watched the mother, Kim, weep loudly. She cried out his name and reached her arms toward the casket for her little boy. She could barely stand on her own, and Ron had to hold her up. Every time I think about it tears come to my eyes, and I will say a prayer for this family every time tears come to my eyes.