Michael Perry Starks, Sr. was born in Oklahoma City on February 6, 1949 to William Perry Starks and Aline Layton Starks. At the age of six, his family moved to Cushing where he resided until his death.

Mike graduated from Cushing High School with the class of 1967. He then went on to Oklahoma State University where he completed two degrees. In 1974 he graduated with his electrical engineering degree. During and after college, he worked with his father at Starks Electric Company. Mike was very proud that their company was started in 1930 by his grandfather A.P. Starks. He continued to work there with his son, Jason, until his death.

Mike married the love of his life, Kathy Flynt, on June 2, 1974. He always said his good friend, Georgena Meyer Boyle, was responsible for introducing them and getting to spend 52 years together. Mike had four children, Michael Starks, Jr (Wife Annette), Farrah Starks, Shauna Starks Jones (Husband Brian), and Jason Starks. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Brody Starks (Wife Katie), Bryce Starks (Wife Callan), Gavin Jones, Harper Jones, Marek Starks and Maysen Starks. He also had two great grandchildren, Micah and Rosalyn Starks.

One of Mike’s favorite childhood memories was going to work with his grandmother, Margaret Starks, who was a police matron for the Oklahoma City Police Department. It was there that some of the officers taught him to play pool. He also loved when she would send a patrolman to drop him and his sister off at the movie theater.

During high school Mike was a proud member of the marching band where he played percussion. He was also a drummer for a couple of bands during his early years. Mike loved music, and he was so excited that Gavin would be playing the trumpet this year in the high school marching band. He also loved watching his grandkids in their sports and other activities. He and Kathy even spent their 50th anniversary at a softball tournament watching Harper. He loved that Marek was so interested in the business and always wanted to work with him and Jason. Mike even became very familiar with dance competitions watching Maysen perform.

Mike had a great love for fast cars and fast boats. He has a 1955 Chevy Sedan Delivery that his grandfather bought off the showroom floor, and even had the window sticker still. He spent many years taking the ’55 to car shows. He and Kathy bought a 1977 Bahner jet boat when they were first married and still have to this day. If you knew Mike, you know he does not like to get rid of anything. Mike loved his Baja Outlaw with blown 525hp motors, and the wakeboard boat for the kids and grandkids to enjoy. Lake Tenkiller was Mike’s favorite place. He and Kathy spent many happy hours at the lake.

In his younger years, Mike was very active in the Cushing and Oklahoma Jaycees. He loved everything about the Jaycees, but his favorite project was western week in Cushing. While serving as the state president, he was named a Frost winner, which was given to one of the top five presidents that year. The friendships that they made were the best part. After the Jaycees, Mike became a Cushing Rotarian. His greatest love though was working and serving the Lord with his church family at the Cushing Church of Christ. He was a deacon and secretary/treasurer for many, many years.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Farrah, his in-laws, J.I. and Ollie Mae Flynt, his sister, Sandy, his sister-in-law, Janet Flynt, and a dear brother-in-law Gregg Pritchard. He was also preceded in death by two of his best friends, Jim Hayes and Joe Bob Cravens.

The family would like to thank Luminos Hospice, especially Mike’s nurses, Megan and Jamie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home. Family will be greeting friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Cushing Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery.