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Robert "Bob" Starr
Born: 7/12/1944
Died: 9/5/2025
Age: 81
Community: at First Apostolic Church, Mt. Morris, MI
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Bishop Robert H.E. Starr, age 81, earned his ultimate heavenly reward on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 8:20 a.m. at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. He was surrounded by his beloved family and dear friends.
Known by many names — Bob, Bobby, Bobert, Bro. Bob, Pastor Starr, Elder Starr and most recently Bishop Starr — to his family he was simply “Dad,” “Grandpa,” and “Papa.” No matter what name you knew him by, he was deeply loved, widely respected, and will be greatly missed.
Robert was born on July 12, 1944, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Tom and Ella Mae Starr. He married the love of his life, Paulette Arch, on December 19, 1970. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family. After the birth of their first two children, Renee and Rudy, they moved to Lapeer in 1974, where they founded Lapeer Apostolic Church. Their daughter Racheal was born soon after.
Robert was a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International for 50+ years. He pastored the Lapeer congregation until 1986 and then pastored in Bad Axe for a year. The family then joined First Apostolic Church of Mt. Morris, where he faithfully served as Assistant Pastor to the late Bishop Joseph D. Carpenter and, most recently to the Rev. Gary (Elizabeth) Thomason. His ministry also extended to helping found First Apostolic Church of Imlay City (Pastor Joseph L. Carpenter) and Greater Hope of Burton, MI (Pastor Larry (Katie) Thompson). Many came to know Jesus because of Bishop Starr’s tireless commitment, compassionate leadership, and unwavering testimony.
Before entering full-time ministry, Robert worked at Pontiac Motors in the foundry. Throughout his life, he held various jobs — always doing what was necessary to support his family and the work of the church. He retired from Lapeer County Animal Control in 2009 after 21 years of dedicated service.
Outside of his pastoral and work life, Robert had a passion for flea markets, bird swaps, garage sales, and especially thrifting with his sweetheart, Paulette. A skilled bird enthusiast, he bred and traded/sold chickens, ducks, pigeons, rabbits, pheasants — and yes, all the cages to go with them. Though he couldn’t fix your car, he could build the best bird cage you’d ever see. He was known for using every opportunity — whether at a flea market, garage sale, swap meet or church — to share a kind word, lend a hand, and talk to someone about Jesus.
He loved his family and was always proud and bragging on his kids, grandkids, great grandchildren and everyone else he “adopted”. He was a man of deep conviction and gentle strength — a friend, mentor, father, and spiritual guide to many. Always willing to lend a hand or offer a shoulder, Bishop Starr lived out his faith every single day. There was only one Robert Starr, and his amazing legacy will live on through family and many friends.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Paulette Starr; his children: Renee Starr, Rudy (Jennifer) Starr, and Racheal Starr; his grandchildren: Brice Starr (Kaitlin Oliver), Trevor (Maddy) Starr, Macayla Starr (Nick Hornung), Sadie Starr (Bilal Chaar) and great-grandchildren: Mason Bright, Porter Starr and Amelia Burnaine.
He is also survived by his sisters: Annie Bays, and Vicki (Bob) Hagar; sister-in-law: Donna Starr; brothers-in-law: George (Sally) Miller and Gary Orr; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was an honorary father and grandfather to Brian, Leah, Prestin, Norly, Lesly, Anain, Sofie, Charlie, Selina, and Terry. Cherished best friend to Ernie (Shelly) Fairless and Dennis (Ann) Dupre. Beloved friend of the saints of First Apostolic Church/Greater Hope Church and many others whose lives he impacted. Our dad never knew a stranger.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ella Mae Starr; siblings: Linda Miller, Wanda Johns, Shirley (Neil) Williams, Lilly Mae (Chuck) Boldry, Pat Orr, Don Starr, and Bill (Mary Lou) Starr.
Service Information
Cremation has been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Lapeer.
The family will receive friends and family Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11-2PM at First Apostolic Church, 11650 Church St, Mt. Morris, Immediately followed by a celebration of life and homegoing service will begin at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bishop Keith McKinnies of Flint, Pastor Gary Thomason of Mt. Morris, and Pastor Larry Thompson of Burton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paulette Starr to support her during this time. Condolences and memories may be left at MuirBrothersLapeer.com |
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9/6/2025 |
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| Funeral Service |
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9/13/2025 |
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2:00 PM |
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First Apostolic Church
11650 Church St.
Mt. Morris, MI 48458Get a Map to this location...
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