Jack Lee Starkey

Jack Starkey, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on June 17, 2026 in Indianapolis.

Jack was born in Beech Grove to Robert and Lucille (Osborn) Starkey on August 9, 1937. He graduated from T.C. Howe High School and he was a proud Hornet. He married Helen (Sarkine) on February 27, 1965 in Indianapolis during the worst snowstorm Indianapolis had ever had at that point in history. He served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. After the Air Force he owned Jack’s Sunoco where he met the love of his life. After they were married, he worked as a truck driver for several trucking companies until retiring from ABF Freight in 1999. Being a local truck driver, he learned the ins and outs of the city and became acquainted with everyone he met. After retiring he worked at the Hoosier Dome/Lucas Oil Stadium guarding the visitors locker room during Colt’s home games, where he met even more people, and always knew where the free food was kept. He also worked for the Old National Centre (Murat) as a ticket taker. He loved talking with everyone that came through the door.

In his spare time, he absolutely loved being with his grandsons and attending their various activities throughout the years. He was involved in The Mustang Club of Indianapolis, Teamsters, and his neighborhood association. He loved visiting casinos around the country.

As a father, he enjoyed driving vacations where the family would frequent many truck stops for meals. He always knew the alternate routes and where to find the interesting attractions. But really, he just loved driving.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Helen Starkey; his parents, Robert and Lucille Starkey; his brother, Robert Taylor Starkey Jr.; and his nephew, Richard Starkey.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Selena (Suiter), and son-in-law, Jerry; his grandsons, Ballard (fiancée, Lauren Piotrowski), Cole (wife, Halle), and Jasper (girlfriend, Mia Masterson); his niece, Beverly (Starkey) McLaughlin; his sister-in-law, Mary (Sarkine) Collins; and his brother-in-law, George Collins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 24th, from 4:00-7:00 at Indiana Funeral Care East, 1307 North Shadeland. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 25th, at 11:00, at Indiana Funeral care East. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the T.C. Howe Alumni Association (howehornets.com) in Jack’s name.

Jacks family would like to extend our sincere thanks to St. Francis Hospital and all of the wonderful angels that work there and took care of Jack with unwavering compassion. Also, all of the doctors, nurses, and therapists that cared for Jack over the past year.