Wayne Starkey

Wayne Starkey, a devoted family man and cherished member of the Milford community, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at his home, under the compassionate care of Delaware Hospice. He was born on September 3, 1949, in Dover, Delaware, the son of the late James Medford Starkey and Anna Mae (Teat) Starkey.

Wayne was a proud graduate of the University of Delaware, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and later obtained an MBA from Wilmington College. He dedicated 42 years of his professional life to LD Caulk, now known as Dentsply, where he began as a chemical engineer and rose through the ranks to become plant manager. Wayne was known for his leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Upon his retirement, a colleague fittingly described him as “the man—not a myth—but definitely a legend.”

Beyond his career, Wayne lived a life rich in passion and purpose. A gifted athlete in his youth, he played for Dover’s Little League, Pony League, Colt League, and the high school varsity baseball team. Alongside his brother, the duo earned the nickname “Thunder and Lightning” for their formidable batting skills. Wayne’s love for the game continued into adulthood, where he played and coached on numerous modified and slow-pitch softball teams, leading them to between 10 and 15 state championships in several states and capturing two national titles in modified fast-pitch softball.

Wayne was also a dedicated father who found great joy in coaching his daughter’s Little League and Big League teams. He believed deeply in instilling values of sportsmanship, hard work, and teamwork in the next generation.

A man of many interests, Wayne found peace and pride in his garden, nurturing sweet potatoes, corn, and lima beans, and sharing his harvest with loved ones. He remained committed to his health and fitness throughout his life, rarely missing a day of biking or lifting weights. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his beloved beagles. An avid beagler, Wayne treasured the sound of his dogs chasing rabbits through the brush—a simple pleasure that brought him immense happiness.

Raised in the Methodist Church in Dover, Wayne carried the values and principles instilled in him by his late parents throughout his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara S. Starkey, and "his girls": daughter Samantha Starkey Melvin, son in law Joey, grandsons AJ and Finn Melvin, stepdaughter Bobbi Jo Jacona, son in law Chris, grandchildren Zoey and Bryce Turner and Sienna Jacona, and stepdaughter Kathy Herd, son in law Bumper, granddaughter Adele Herd. He also leaves behind his sister, Ruby Schaffer, brother in law Bill, his brother Gary Starkey, sister in law Dottie, uncle Wyatt Starkey and his wife Pat, uncle Bill Hurley, nephews Jonathan and Jimmy Starkey, Marc Schaffer, and niece Stacy Howard.

Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including his extended family and friends. His legacy, marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his career, and his many accomplishments, will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

There will be a celebration of Wayne's life Saturday August 9, 2025 at 4pm in Sunnybrae Mansion, 416 NE 10th Street, Milford, Delaware. This special event will be a time to share memories, laughter, and stories that reflect the impact Wayne had on all of us. Friends and family are welcome as we honor a life well lived and deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or the Lymphoma Research Foundation at www.lymphoma.org