Starr A. Byarlay

Starr Alden Byarlay passed away suddenly January 8th, 2018 at the age of 83. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We will all cherish the memories of his wisdom, wit, and loving heart. Starr was born in Bala, Kansas to Alfred and Lillian Dettmer Byarlay on October 19, 1934. He attended Randolph High School in Randolph, Kansas and Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas on a ROTC scholarship. After graduating, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant and began flight school. In 1964, he married Lavonne Zamow and they had three children, Matthew, Patricia and Bennett. Starr loved to fly and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a pilot flying KC-97, KC-135 and KC-123. When he returned, he became a flight instructor. Major Starr Byarlay retired from the USAF in 1977 after a distinguished 20 year career. After he retired, Starr discovered his talent for carpentry and cabinetry. Over the next 40 years, he created countless pieces wood art, custom cabinetry and did many remodels, decks and gazebos in the Bluegrass area. He volunteered his skills and time to Habitat for Humanity and Repair Affair. He was a parishioner at St. Leo’s Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Starr is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lavonne, his two children, Patrice and Ben, his sister, Janice, and brother Phillip, and his grandchildren Mitchell, Morgan, Rachel, Nick, Pamela, Eve and Annika. Services were held Saturday, January 13th, 2018. Contributions in his memory may be made to Habitat to Humanity.