Harry Starr Jr

Harry Starr Jr. 1904–1984
and
Elda Lynch Copenhaver

Harry and Elda in the 1960s

Following Southern naming patterns begun with their first two children, Harry and Pauline named their third child and second son after his father, down to the lack of a middle name or even an initial. Harry Starr Jr. was born 17 May 1904 in Sunnyside, Georgia, and like his older siblings, was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. John P. Starr. We know few specifics of his childhood, but can safely assume one thing: in the days before radio, he spent lots of time listening to his parents telling their childhood memories. In later years, when we younger generation questioned Harry’s siblings about the family, whoever answered would almost always begin: “I wish Harry were here to tell this ...” or “Harry always said ....” Alas, Harry died before we were interested enough in the family history to ask the important questions.

Harry Jr. was two years old when the family moved from Georgia to Cove, Arkansas. He spent much of his childhood in the sawmill camps that moved with the need for a new stand of virgin timber. By the time the family had settled near Smithville, he was old enough to attend Fulsom Training School. However, he left before graduation according to his father’s 1925 letter updating family in Georgia on those living in Oklahoma: “Harry is up at Bristow working for the Okla. Pipe Line Co. He joined the Church this year. He got angry with the faculty here and quit school. He is doing well and is well thought of every where.”

He married Elda Lynch Copenhaver at Bristow, Oklahoma 27 August 1927. According to the newspaper announcement, Harry was working as a ganger for the pipeline company headquartered in Mounds, Oklahoma; he was also the assistant operator of the local Frisco station. They had one son (adopted) James Robert “Bob” Starr born in 1933.


In Harry's youth roads were few.	1923

Likely taken at the Mountain Fork River	May have been taken about 1927

Harry Jr. loved to sing and his “impressive bass in the [Methodist] church choir could be heard booming above all others.” His nephew continued: “Harry had a habit of humming and singing for little children (or just to himself if no kiddies were around), silly little ballads like “Frog Went a Courtin’ and He Did Ride, um-hum.” He also loved telling jokes; often they were good-natured gags about the alleged traits of Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians, the South's three great denominations and all represented in his ancestry. For his own part, Harry was an active and faithful Methodist, like his father. His generous nature and jovial attitude made him popular with everyone, not least with children. The word "avuncular" could have been coined for him. According to Jack, his youngest brother, Harry was always heavy and began losing his hair at a young age.

He and Elda retired to Mounds, Oklahoma, about twenty miles south of Tulsa, and near many of her family. They purchased several nearby houses as those came on the market and he developed a trailer park or two. He was likely the largest landlord in Mounds – and mayor for one term. Since the main job of mayor was filling potholes with hot asphalt, he refused subsequent terms.

He grew a large garden and visitors left with boxes of produce, fruits and vegetables in season. Elda would somewhat patiently explain how to cook vegetables previously unknown to the newest niece-in-the-family. For her part she couldn’t understand why this bride wasn’t on a first-name basis with an eggplant or turnip. Harry enjoyed auctions and flea markets, but usually ended up bringing home more items than he’d taken to sell. At least one two story house adjacent his own was filled past capacity with items to sell. The residue spilled into the front and back yard and into his own residence. If we wanted something at a bargain price, we knew where to go. Finding it was another matter.

Their pride and joy was their son who was the play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals and radio announcer for the Boston Patriots and Red Sox. At the time of his retirement, he was the lead radio announcer for the LA Angels.


Bob, Elda and Harry in the 1950s	Elda, Skeezix and Harry	Harry about 1980

Harry dropped out of school before graduation, but that doesn’t mean he stopped learning. He claimed to read every page of the Tulsa World and the Durants' History of Civilization was a treasured possession. I didn't ask him but I have no doubt he read the Bible through several times. Harry Jr. died 20 September 1984 and Elda (Copenhaver) Starr 20 July 1988. Both are buried in the Mounds, Oklahoma cemetery.