Glen Dean Starry

Glen Dean Starry, 83, of Fayetteville, formerly of Maumelle, Ark., died Thursday, July 26, 2012. He was born to the late Glen and Opal Starry, July 19, 1929, in Edmond, Okla. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned his bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biology from Oklahoma State University in 1956. He became a police officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department where he worked in investigations, firearms training and fingerprinting. He went on to his Master's studies at Brown University until he was recruited by the Department of Defense to teach in Europe. He lived in Europe for 45 years, with time spent in England, Germany, Spain, and Italy. He taught Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Computer Science and Physics. He was also a wrestling and cross country coach. He held black belts in karate and judo and was an authorized instructor by the National Associations of Karate and Judo. Dean was passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students. He endlessly donated his time to being a sponsor for many student activities. Dean retired from teaching in 1991 but continued to maintain a very active lifestyle of travelling, social events, visiting family, gardening and being an active member of the community. Dean never met a stranger. He would introduce himself and greet others everywhere, down to even knowing names and personal information of a cashier at the local market. In return, everyone knew and loved being around him. He was preceded in death by his father, Glen Starry; step-father, Al Schmidt; and mother, Opal Campbell Starry Schmidt. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Chastain Dietrich Starry and three sons, Mike Starry of Rota, Spain, Steven Starry and wife, Victoria of Madrid, Spain and Michael Dietrich and wife, Heidi of Fayetteville. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Andy and Michael Starry, David Starry, Kristin, Christopher, Alex, and Ian Dietrich; a sister, Rosemary Stauber of San Antonio, Texas; four nieces and many great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held today, Sunday, at 3 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Dean's online guest book may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.