Brandon Franklin Starks, 41, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO in the Liberty area, joined his beloved boxer, Rease in Heaven when he passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the NorthCare Hospice House. He was born May 9, 1982 in Kansas City, KS to William F. “Bill” and Vickie B. (Williams) Starks. They both survive of Kansas City, MO.
Brandon graduated from Oak Park High School in 2000, where he was an exceptional soccer and football player. He went on to have a great college career, as a place kicker at Central Missouri State University. During this time, he broke several school records, received several All-Conference honors.
After graduation from Central Missouri State, he earned a degree in Nursing from William Jewell, and would spend the majority of his career as a nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Following his time at Children’s Mercy, he worked at Truman Medical Center and Research Hospital.
He married Valerie K. Hoover on April 18, 2009 in Kansas City. Brandon and Valerie were blessed with two children, a boy, Gavin Franklin Starks (13) and a girl, Skylar Rose Starks (7). Brandon’s family was his world. He enjoyed fishing with Gavin, and attending all of his sporting events. He was Skylar’s biggest fan and loved watching her dance. When he wasn’t with Valerie or the kids, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and was an avid bowler.
In addition to his parents, Valerie, Gavin and Skylar, Brandon is survived by his brother, Mark Anthony Starks and wife, Mandi of Kansas City, MO. He also leaves behind his mother and father-in-law, Donna J. and Stanley Hoover; sister-in-law, Stacy Evans; a niece, Mackenley Starks; three nephews: Maddex Starks, Hunter and Keaton Evans; and a host of close friends. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to his family, where a fund will be established to assist with Gavin and Skylar’s future educational and athletic needs. Donations may be left in care of the Meyers Northland Chapel, 401 Main St. Parkville, MO 64152. A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO. Memories of Brandon and condolences may be shared at Meyersfuneralchapel.com.
We often want to make sense of things. For times when things don’t make sense to us, they are the most painful to deal with. I looked up to Brandon as an older cousin for his athleticism and stoicism as a man. I will forever remember playing sports together at grandma’s and grandpa’s. One time we were playing smear the guy with the football and I was stiff arming Mark laughing and Brandon came out of no where and blasted me for messing with Mark. He was a good brother and a good cousin to me. I will miss him and keep him in my memory. My heart goes out to his children and parents who are suffering the most during this difficult time.
Steve and I are beyond sad for your loss. I loved Brandon. Words can’t take away the hurt. Praying for peace as you all move forward. We love you.
We are so very sorry for your loss, Val, Gavin and Skylar. May friends and family bring you comfort in these difficult days ahead. Our sympathy and love.
I am so sorry for your loss, Valerie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for you and Vickie,Mark, and Brandon’s wife and kids!! I will keep you all in my prayers Brother Bill. Love You.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Thoughts and Prayers with you all.
Brandon was always such a joy and light. Always smiling, he brought laughter where ever he went. I have such fond memories from High School and College- he always was happy to see you and brought so much fun whenever we hung out. I feel very fortunate to have called him a friend and to have been able to see his smile recently in the neighborhood, and around our community.
Continued prayers for comfort and love to his family as he surly watches over them from Heaven.
So sorry to learn of this! We share your sorrow and pray for grace, strength and comfort for the whole family and grieving friends!
My heart is broken by the passing of Brandon. I was his first soccer coach and he was one of the very first players I ever coached. I know him since the age of about 5 coming to practice with his dad who was also the other coach. What a sweet boy he was and sweet guy later on as he grew. He is one of my beloved players ever. I trully loved Brandon for his demeanor and great behavior on and off the field.
He was good friends with my son Perry and together they were two of the best players on our team. Ultimately he became a great soccer player that was a lot of fun to watch.
He is unforgettable and a big part of my life.
I cannot find the words to express my sorrow.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Valerie. May memories of your time together bring you peace.
Beautiful tribute to an amazing young man. Brandon touched the lives of a lot of people. My heart is broken for you all, Bill, Vickie, Valerie, kids, and extended family.
Gone too soon but never forgotten. 😘😘😘😘😘
Thinking of you and sending my love and hugs.
Our sincere condolences to Valerie and her entire family.
“The life of the dead is placed on the memories of the living. The love you gave in life keeps people alive beyond their time. Anyone who was given love will always live on in another’s heart.” Cicero.
“We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.”
Godspeed.
Our sincerest sympathies for the loss of your dear Brandon. We are heartbroken for your family as we recall some wonderful memories of Oak Park soccer, watching Brandon and his incredible skills. We also enjoyed visiting with him when he dropped by the house, keeping us updated on his life after high school.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers, that you will find some comfort in knowing that others grieve with you.🙏