Duane Starr

Duane Lee Starr, 78, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior at his rural Portland, Indiana, home, surrounded by family, on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, following a courageous 14-month battle stemming from a traumatic fall at his business.

Born on Aug. 27,1946, in Winchester, Indiana, to Ellis and Helen (Rickert) Starr, Duane was a proud graduate of Driver High School’s Class of 1964. He served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. 

After earning a certification from Ivy Tech for auto body mechanics, he established P&D (Patty and Duane) Auto, which he co-owned and operated with his wife, Patty. Together, they built a reputation for providing high-quality, low-mileage vehicles, earning the trust and respect of their community. Duane also developed enduring relationships and mutual respect with friends and colleagues in the local auto community.

As a child, Duane grew up helping on his family farm and was deeply involved in the FFA and 4-H programs. These experiences instilled in him a love of agriculture and sparked an early interest in becoming a veterinarian. Though life took him in a different direction, this passion ultimately led him to a meaningful 35-year career with American Breeders Service, where he worked as a technician specializing in bovine genetics and helping farmers improve livestock quality.

Duane was deeply committed to his community. He served on Jay School Board, supported FFA and 4-H programs as an advisor, mentored students in Junior Achievement’s Finance Park and championed public fiscal responsibility through various community initiatives.

On Feb. 10, 1973, Duane married the love of his life, Patty Ann Denton, whom he affectionately met as his mother’s Avon lady. Together, they built a life full of love and service, raising four children — Shawndra, Brent, Jessica and Jonathan — and opening their hearts and home as host parents to six foreign exchange students from Denmark and Germany.

Duane was a man of deep faith. For nearly 40 years, he was a dedicated parishioner of the Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene, where he attended with his wife and children. His church community was a source of strength, fellowship, friendship and an opportunity to live out his devotion to God and others.

A true family man, Duane found joy in supporting his children and grandchildren at their school and sporting events. He loved Indiana University and Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football, and cherished quiet winter nights cracking hickory nuts for his favorite pie. He also enjoyed attending reunions and events with his Driver High School Class of 1964, reconnecting with old friends and reminiscing about cherished memories.

Duane’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife of 51 years, Patty; his children, Shawndra Nicodemus (Jason), Jessica Miller (Rowdy), Brent Starr and Jonathan Starr (Lani); his grandchildren, Lyndsey and Kallee Nicodemus, Gabriella Starr, and Chloe, Gunner and Jaxon Miller, and Mackenzie Day (Justin); great-granddaughters Caroline and Abi Drew; extended family including brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Sue Caldwell (Ronald, deceased), Teresa Denton (Dewey Gene, deceased), Debra Kay Nixon (Glen), Kenneth Denton (Rene); and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also fondly remembered by his host-children, Tanja, Jochen, Sebastian, Andreas, Johannes and Annika, as well as his host-granddaughters, Alicia, Marina and Aurora.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland, Indiana. A one-hour viewing will precede the celebration of life service, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at the Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene.

Memorials may be directed to Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene.

In honoring Duane’s remarkable life, his family asks that those who knew him carry forward his spirit of kindness, dedication and love for community.

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.