Obituary of Phillip L. Starks

Phillip L. Starks, 82 of Nilwood, passed away Friday, April 7, 2023, at his residence. Phillip was born December 30, 1940, in Nilwood, a son of Harry G. and Verda (Corder) Starks. He married Della Marie Allen on October 9, 1959, in Virden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry G. and Verda Starks, wife, Della Marie (Allen) Starks, as well as his two sisters and three brothers. Phil was the youngest of 6 children, he along with his 3 brothers may have been the oneriest boys in the area as they spent much of their time pulling pranks on the citizens of Nilwood. Phil’s 2 older sisters spent most of their time trying to keep the boys out of trouble. Phil had stories from his childhood that could keep a person laughing for hours on end and he enjoyed telling these stories. Phil married Della, the love of his life, and together they raised 4 children. In Phil’s early career, he searched for what he wanted to do with his life. He worked for the State of Illinois, St. John’s hospital, and several other jobs until he found his true passion, trucking. Phil drove trucks, worked on trucks, and became a truck dispatcher for the remaining years of his career, a total of over 40 years in the industry. It was obvious how much he loved trucking by how much joy it brought him to tell all of his trucking stories. As life progressed and his children were raised, Phil and Della enjoyed camping, traveling and attending their grandkids many activities. Phil lived a wonderful life, he had a saying, “nobody is going to have as much fun going around this mud ball as I have”, and if you knew Phil you would agree with this statement. Phil loved his family more than anything and he especially loved hosting or attending family gatherings. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Nilwood Baptist Church, 38 Judd Street, Nilwood. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:30 am, Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Nilwood Baptist Church with burial to follow in Girard Cemetery. Phillip is survived by his daughter, Gayle (Frederick) Fickas of Girard, daughter, Brenda (David) Bain of Girard, son, P. Scott (Jolinda) Starks of Girard, son, Todd (Dana) Starks of FL, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Lynn Starks of FL, sister-in-law, Karen Starks of IL, several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Nilwood Baptist Church or Macoupin County Animal Shelter.