Dennis P. Starkey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Dennis Paul Starkey, “Denny”, who left this world on May 8, 2025, at the age of 78. 

Dennis and his twin sister Janice (who he adored) were born on December 27th 1946 in Wood River Illinois. Their parents were Maxine (Starkey) Taylor and Paul Taylor. Maxine passed away April 3rd 1947 from complications with leukemia. Dennis’ maternal grandparents, Henry and Agnes (Moore) Starkey adopted the twins and raised them in East Alton, Illinois. 

He loved horses, music, motorcycles, fly fishing, history, and playing guitar. Dennis played guitar with his band The Panics while in high school. Dennis went to East Alton Wood River High School and enlisted in the military in 1966, He tragically lost his sister Janice on January 30th 1972 in East Alton, they were 25 years old. He enlisted in the military in 1966 in the US Army and was a member of C Company 75th Ranger Regiment, his job was a forward observer in an eight-man team. He was dropped by helicopter and picked up several days later. The team was responsible for a variety of tasks including setting ambushes and scouting, he carried an M-60 machine gun, a radio, and was part of more than 25 air assaults in Vietnam Corp I At Da Nang, and Corp II At Pleiku. After 40 years, he received the Purple Heart from a fragment wound to his left knee while engaged in action against enemy forces in the RVN on April 24th 1969. He completed a total of 2 years 7 months and 2 days of active military service. Dennis earned a National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, Air Medal, 3 Overseas Bars, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and the RVN Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation. 

Dennis retired from the Denver Water Board after 28 years of service and moved back to Alton, Illinois to be with his friends and family. From a young age, Dennis found solace in strumming guitar strings, often losing himself in the melodies, of classic rock and rock n roll. His guitars were not just an instrument, but an extension of his soul. Dennis spent countless hours honing his craft, playing in bands and sharing his love for music with anyone who would listen. His love of music and his talent for the guitar inspired friendships with musicians such as "Confederate Railroad" and friends who work in the music industry, such as his trusted friend and neighbor, Thom Swain. In addition to musical talents, Dennis had an adventurous spirit that drew him to the open road, he was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, relishing the freedom of the ride and the camaraderie of hanging with his friends who loved riding alongside him. He also enjoyed going to the gym to stay fit and had great friendships there.

He is survived by his children, Jody (Michael) Bozovich; grandchildren, Lucas and Jacob; son, Nicholas (Karla) Walls, grandchildren, Yavonn (fiancé Dakota), great grandchildren Ember, Erika, Roran, Delilah, Derek (Sarah) McDaniels, great grandchild Maredith, and Andrew (fiancé Mandy), great grandchild Raiden, Daughter Stefanie (partner Jim) Bockholdt-Retherford, grandchild Amber (Dylan) Clifford, great grandchild Emersyn, daughter, Wendy (Jeff) Foss; grandchildren Lexus (Austin) Reynolds, Daric, Alyvia, daughter Deni Jo (Rob) Smith, grandchildren Jessica, Kaleb, Grayson. Also survived by his sister Sue Ann Garrison, niece Charlia (Mark) Reader, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, twin sister, Janice; brother, Philip Taylor; sister, Glenda Powell; and his best friend, Denny Cox. 

There will be a private burial for family and close friends at the Bethalto Methodist Cemetery at noon followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon from 1:00 - 5:00 at the Wood River VFW Post #2859, 231 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to The Wounded Warrior Project, Semper Fi Fund, or Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis P. Starkey, please visit our floral store.