Robert O. ‘Shorty’ Starner, 85, of Claypool, Ind., passed away at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at Mason Health Care & Rehab Warsaw, Ind.

He was born Nov. 18, 1927, in Plymouth, Ind., to Lloyd and Elizabeth Burroughs Starner. On Sept. 8, 1951, he married Glenda L. Holle Starner, who survives.

In 1987 after 40 years of service, Robert retired from NIPSCO where he was a welder and then a crane operator. After retiring from NIPSCO he became a full-time farmer. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, he also was a member of the Mentone Masonic Lodge. He was an avid John Deere tractor fan and liked working on tractors. He had a love for farming and all that came with it.

He is survived by his wife; daughter: Susan (Tim) Werstler, Pierceton, Ind.; son: David (Kris) Starner, Claypool; five grandsons; and one sister: Dorothy Lockwood, South Bend, Ind.

He was preceded in death his daughter, Marcia Starner.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at King Memorial Home Mentone, Ind. A Masonic Service followed by a Memorial Service to remember Bob will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at King Memorial Home, 101 North Tucker Street, Mentone. Pastor Dennis Bollenbacher will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date at the Walnut Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Argos, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 West Washington Street, Suite 1180-South, Indianapolis, IN, 46204.