Vernon Starks Memorial Service Scheduled For August 25
Aug 21, 2009 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 21, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Vernon Lee Starks, father of former Texas A&M women's basketball star Takia Starks, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13 after a courageous five-year battle with lymphoma cancer at the age of 49.
Starks' close relationship with his daughter was chronicled throughout her four-year career in Aggieland by national and local media outlets including The Associated Press, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Dallas Morning News, The Houston Chronicle and The Bryan-College Station Eagle. Vernon and his wife, Debra, were avid supporters of the A&M women's basketball program and traveled to many home and away contests, even while undergoing intense chemotherapy and stem cell treatment. The younger Starks led the Aggies to a school-record four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances including a memorable Elite Eight run in 2008.
Vernon coached all of his children through AAU and YMCA basketball, Takia, in particular at the age of 8. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Houston.
Originally from Bowling Green, Ky., the elder Starks studied at Western Kentucky University for two years and played college basketball for one season prior to a career-ending injury. He is also survived by his oldest daughter Shatika, oldest son Vernon, Jr., son Danté and son Monté (Termaine).
"Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Starks said. "We have received so many heartfelt cards and letters to our home over the last week from friends and fans. My dad was and will always be my hero. He was a fighter and fought cancer for a very long time, even until the very end. He was always proud of me as I was of him. I know my dad would want me to continue to live out my dreams. I look to carry out my dad's wishes and do my very best to make him proud playing professionally overseas in Australia this season."
A memorial service to honor the life of Vernon Starks is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Fall Brook Baptist Church in Houston. A wake will be held in the morning from 10-11 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m.
Vernon Starks Memorial Service
Tuesday, August 25
Fall Brook Baptist Church
12512 Walters Road
Houston, TX 77014
Wake: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
