I was saddened to learn of the death last month of Richard Starks. Dick was a larger than life figure, one of the stalwarts of the replica World War One fighter movement in the US.
He bought a Cessna 120 and learnt to fly, then with a friend built two replica Nieuport fighters at home. These became the nucleus of the Kansas City Dawn Patrol. Wife Sharon was a little bit left out so she eventually learned to fly too and they built her an aircraft…
A high school mathematics teacher, Dick turned his hand to language and authored two books and numerous articles in the aviation press:
I read his first book ( on the left ) many moons ago and reread it before acquiring the replica Eindecker. I had to buy it again as I had leant it out and lost track of it. At the same time I bought his second book which was just as good as the first.
His books inspired the Walter Mitty in me and helped make the Eindecker purchase decision a lot easier. Great reads – recommended!
Condolences to Sharon and the family, RIP and blue skies Dick.
Nice obituary here with more details:
Richard Starks Obituary (1943 – 2026) – Weatherby Lake, MO – Kansas City Star