25 Aug 2016 Couples: Don and Linda Starr
HIM Don Starr
Native of: Beebe.
Job: Retired from many years as a welding supplies salesman.
Parents: The late Grady and Pauline Starr, Beebe.
Community activities: Attending Fit for Life classes at Hendrix College and balance classes and working out at the Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness Center. Advocate for both places.
Church activities: Fellowship Bible Church; greeter on Sunday mornings.
Hobbies/special interests: Buying and selling.
How would you describe yourself: Conservative.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Cracker Barrel.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Taking road trips.
Favorite quote: It will work out!
What do you love about living in the 501: The people.
HER Linda Starr
Native of: Beebe.
Where did you grow up: Back and forth between Beebe and Conway, then Conway since the eighth grade.
Education: High school and some college at Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas).
Job: Retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.; owner of The Sporty Runner in Conway.
Parents: The late Ervin and Gen Strayhorn, Conway.
Community activities: Member of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Partnership and Conway Running Club. On the board of Women Run Arkansas Run/Walk Club; state clinic director of Women Can Run/Walk clinics.
Church activities: Fellowship Bible Church; greeter on Sunday mornings.
Hobbies/special interests: Running/walking, biking. Doing agility with Sadie, our Yorkie Poo. Checking out parts of Arkansas we haven’t seen.
How would you describe yourself: Energetic.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Faby’s on Front Street in Downtown Conway.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Spending time with family no matter what we do.
Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
What do you love about living in the 501: There are so many things in this area to do and see, plus neat places to shop and eat that you don’t have to drive long distances to get to enjoy what you like.
THEM
How we met: On a Sunday afternoon in March 1961, I was visiting relatives in Beebe and Don came by with my cousin. I was working in Little Rock and they wanted me to get some girls together for a movie and they would bring boys. They were late so we went on to the movie. We heard this noise and next thing I knew, Don crawled over the seat by me and said, “I’m taking her.”
The proposal: After we had that date and one other, Don was pipelining so he was out of state most of the time. He came home twice, once in March and July 4, and we had a date. We had lots of phone calls and letters. He came back home a few days before Christmas. He picked me up for a date on Dec. 22, 1961. When we got in the car, he reached in the glove box and handed me a package. It had an engagement and wedding ring in it. That was it!
Wedding bells: Saturday, Jan. 20, 1962, at First Christian Church on Watkins Street in Conway. We were the first wedding in the church.
Children: Son, Don M. Starr.
Pets: Sadie, Yorkie Poo; grand dog, Bronson.
Family activities enjoyed together: Church, family meals, camping and road trips.
