Thomas V. Starkey went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 19, 2019. He was born on March 22, 1930 in Brandup Township, Minnesota to Forrest and Marie Starkey. Thomas is survived by his children; Forrest Starkey and wife Susan, Kathleen Haley and husband Mike, Teresa Powdrill and husband Mike, Liz Polk and husband Ben, Bridget Ognoskie, 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends. His is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, and his brothers and sisters. Thomas grew up on a very large wheat farm. He went to school and also to seminary in Minnesota. He eventually started working on the railroad as an operator when he was just 19 years old because he hated the cold and soon migrated to Texas. While working the railroad, Thomas stayed at a boarding house that was owned by a lady that would soon become his mother-in-law. Thomas really meant “Soon” because he married her daughter, Mary, three days later. He and Mary were blessed with five children all born in Lake Charles, LA. Thomas studied account business and went to work at Borden’s for a while in Lake Charles. Later, they moved their family to Houston to start up APF which manufactures and markets fertilizers. He started the company at the ground floor and became President of the company before retiring at age 62. Thomas loved fishing and good conversations about the sport. He would say “Did I ever tell you about the fish I caught?”. He enjoyed playing dominos, poker, watching action movies, and reading the newspaper. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also sponsored a boy in the Philippines for several years named Miguel. A funeral service will be 2pm Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, Texas. Interment to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park North in Porter, Texas.