Donald Ray Starnes, 96, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the VA hospice center in Des Moines. A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 7 at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. He was born on April 20, 1926, in Denver, CO. He served in the Army in the Philippines during WWII. He raised his family in the Des Moines area and retired from John Deere after 30 years. Those left to cherish his memory are his children Sharon Roth of Des Moines, Phyllis McGowen of Omaha, and Raymond Starnes of Grimes; daughter-in-law Chris Starnes of Des Moines; brother Sam Starnes of Thermopolis WY; and many grand and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn and sons Larry and Thomas. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Beaverdale Estates and the VA hospital system and staff for their kindness and care, and Celebrate Life Iowa.