David Charles Starr

09/05/1971 - 01/26/1991

David Charles Starr was 19 years old, and the third of four brothers, when he died on January 26, 1991. He was an accomplished drummer, a Student Council leader, a great soccer player, and a yell leader in high school. During his life, he gave much love and laughter. He went on to attend the University of Missouri to study engineering. On the way to the college bookstore to get a book for one of his classes, his car was struck broadside. He survived the initial accident, but was pronounced brain dead 24 hours later. Our family knew that there was nothing more we could do for David, but if we chose to, we could do something for others.

His heart went to a man in Utah, who was extremely ill, and he has been able to see all four of his children reach adulthood, and added new grandchildren he never would have seen. His eyes gave sight to 2 people and tissues helped innumerable people. His younger brother, Kit, whose heart was touched by meeting a number of organ recipients, and seeing them compete at the Transplant Games, decided that if an opportunity came, he would donate a kidney to someone. That chance came in 2003, and he gave a kidney to a young man his age, who was married with a young family. He said at the time, “If an organ donation could have saved David, and some one gave him that chance, just think how different our lives would have been.” When he decided to become a living donor, he said “Maybe I can keep another family from going through the loss, and pain of grief that we have gone through.” David’s life blessed many when he was alive and continues to bless people even after his death. We, as well, have been given gifts and blessings since his death. We love and miss him very much.