Edgar Starke Sydnor

Edgar Starke Sydnor, age 74, passed away on February 11, 2018 at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, Virginia. Starke was born on November 30, 1943 and raised in Lynchburg. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1962 as Senior Class President and played football under Coach Bradford. The “Bradford Boys” remained close throughout the years, as did many of his high school buddies. He attended Washington & Lee University to study English and Law and play football. While there, he met Tica, “the love of his life”, and they were married in 1965.

After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force in Ulm, Germany for three years as an air traffic and weapons controller attaining the rank of Captain. In 1971, he returned home with his family to practice law and became a partner at the law firm of Edmunds Williams in Lynchburg.  He joined Vulcan Materials Company in Birmingham, AL in 1981 where he practiced Environmental Law in the Chemical Division. He retired in 2001 as Assistant General Counsel and returned with Tica to Lynchburg to spend the next 16 years, surrounded by the enjoyment of many friends and family, and to the hometown he so dearly loved.

Starke was a scholar and loved to read. He wrote and taught a theological course on the teachings of C.S. Lewis, enjoyed by many, including members of Birmingham Independent Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg; and spent many enjoyable evenings teaching with the “Peakland Inklings.”

In Lynchburg, Starke served on the Boards of the Jones Memorial Library, Westminster Canterbury, and the Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s “Mission 2020” capital campaign. In Birmingham, Starke served on the Board of Summerfest Musical Theatre and the Birmingham Museum of Art. He sang in the Jefferson Choral Society and Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir. He most recently worshiped at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Starke fought a courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis remaining positive and always greeting friends and family with his big smile. There will be many memories to cherish, especially with his beloved grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, cousin and friend who will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank the amazing nurses, aids, hospice and staff of 6th floor Drinkard at Westminster Canterbury; they are truly the “angels in our midst.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Tica Sydnor and three children: Gar Sydnor (Michelle) of Winchester, VA; Beth Norris (John) of Mountain Brook, AL; Cas Sydnor (Jacqueline) of Charleston, SC; and seven grandchildren: Josie, Sally, Annie, John, Sawyer, Starke and Stewart. He is also survived by his loving sister Langhorne Mauck, sister-in-law Mary Jane Sydnor, and brother-in-law, Arturo Ontaneda; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Starke was preceded in death by his parents Charles Raine Sydnor and Louise Starke Sydnor; his brother Dr. Charles Raine Sydnor, Jr.; and his brother-in-law Dr. Robert Mauck and sister-in-law Paula Ontaneda.

A visitation will be held Sunday, February 18 from 4:00 p.m.-6:00.p.m. at Westminster Canterbury. We will celebrate Starke’s life at a memorial service at 11:00am on Monday, February 19 at St. John’s Episcopal Church with a reception to follow.   In lieu of flowers, contributions in Starke’s memory may be made to any of the following:  Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s “Mission 2020” capital campaign, Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Jones Memorial Library.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.