78, of Ferguson, MO, an avid fencer, lost his bout with the grim reaper on January 4, 2017. His foil was no match for a scythe.

William L. Starr was born May 4, 1938, in Tucson, AZ, the son of Omega and William Starr. Bill had an interesting childhood, including a bicycle tour of France shortly after the end of WWII, and riding along with his father as he drove Peter Seeger to political rallies.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served a tour of duty in Okinawa.

He married Ellen May 8, 1965.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, daughter Laura (Rob) Hack and granddaughters Celia and Miranda. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Chris (Jeannie Smith) Cross, sisters-in-law Nancy (Eric) Heng and Robin Cross, and a niece, Andrea Kajok.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jeff Starr.

Bill received his accounting degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and worked as the office manager for American Commission, a paper wholesaler.

Bill was a long-time member, teacher, and officer of St. Louis Fencers Club. He was also active in Milstat Fencers of the Corn. He played bassoon in the Ferguson Florissant Symphony Orchestra, and the Oasis New Horizons Band. Most mornings, weather permitting, Bill could be found at the Florissant Valley Community College tennis courts. He was a fighter, having survived a major attack of Guillain-Barre Disease in 1997, chronic gout and a stroke. He finally succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia after a long battle.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the spring.

Memorials in Bill’s memory can be made to Lewy Body Dementia Research.