David R. Starnes, O.D., of Manchaca, died on Sunday May 29 at the age of 68, due to natural causes.
He was born in Houston on February 13, 1943 to Pearl Elizabeth Bennett and David Oscar Starnes of Pasadena. David grew up in Pasadena with his sister Anita. David graduated from the University of Houston with a Doctorate of Optometry. David married Sylvia L. Parten while in college and after graduation moved to Andrews to start practicing optometry.
David and his wife then moved to Austin to pursue an opportunity in the city where they honeymooned. While in Austin, David was a volunteer fireman for Cedar Park, helped get the City of Cedar Park incorporated, and belonged to the Northwest Lions Club. David worked as an Associate Optometrist for Dr. Raymond Burstyn. David and Sylvia adopted two children, Malinda and David Raymond Jr.
David then moved his family to Madisonville and became the first resident optometrist for that town. He belonged to the Madisonville Lions Club, while he was there. David and his family then moved to Manchaca where he set up his practice in South Austin.
He was a member of the American Optometric Association, the Texas Optometric Association, the Northwest Lions Club, the Lions Club of Madisonville, and the South Austin Noon Lions Club. David worked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for many years, providing his optometric services.
As a Low Vision Specialist, he received many awards for his service. He received the Presidential Award from the Texas Optometric Association, was the chairman of the Lions Sight Conservation Committee, and was nominated for the 5 Who Care award through KVUE television.
David is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughter and son-in-law, Malinda and George Tyson, his son and daughter-in-law, David and Jeniffer Starnes, and his grandchildren, George and Pearl Tyson.
David will be meeting his father, mother and sister in Heaven.
His services were held on Saturday, June 4 at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin. David was buried at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in David R. Starnes’ name to the American Heart Association or the Shriner’s Hospital.
