Clifford Starbuck

Clifford Clark Starbuck, 69, Topeka, passed away June 6, 2008 at home after a four year battle with lung cancer. Clif was born June 27, 1938 to Randall (Skinner) Starbuck and Evelyn Clark at his mother's family home in Marion, Kentucky. They soon after moved to Smith Center, Kansas his father's family home. He moved to Topeka in 1949 with his family of six (2 brothers and 1 sister) and has lived in Topeka most of his life. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 and attended Washburn University where he met his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Morie. They were married December 30, 1961. Clif worked for Sears for 9 years becoming their District Advertising Manager where he helped open the Sears store in the White Lakes Shopping Center. In 1969 he opened Starbuck's Men's Wear with good friend Dave Anderson in White Lakes and eventually opened another in White Lakes Plaza and one other in Overland Park, Kansas. In the mid 1970's he started Clif Starbuck Advertising and worked in this profession for almost 25 years. In the mid 1980's he served a four-year term on the Shawnee Heights School Board where he was able to present both of his son's their high school diplomas. In semi-retirement Clif returned to White Lakes, opening Clif's Café in early 2001 to pursue his hobby of cooking for as many people as he could. The last four years he has worked part-time in the physical education department of Washburn University, which he described as his dream job. He loved working with the kids and staff. Clif was also a friend for more than 33 years of Bill Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Randall and Evelyn Starbuck. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Scott and Chad; Scott's wife Ann and their children Nicholas, Natalie and Leah of Topeka; and Chad's wife Tiffany and their children Beau and Ava of Santa Monica, California; brothers, Larry Starbuck of Topeka, Mike Starbuck and wife Judy of Scottsdale, Arizona; and sister, Mary Smith and husband Ralph of Tempe, Arizona; plus many extended family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Private family inurnment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be directed to Catholic Community Healthcare, 306 SW VanBuren, Topeka, Kansas 66603, in appreciation of their care and support.

This service can be viewed online