Kevin Eugene Starks

Kevin Eugene Starks, age 59, of Bloomfield, New Mexico, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by love, with his wife and daughters holding his hands, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

Kevin was born on December 6, 1966, in Montrose, Colorado, to Phyllis and Richard “Dick” Starks Jr. He was raised in Naturita, Colorado, where he lived and spent 45 years of his life, 25 of which he devoted as a volunteer firefighter for the Nucla/Naturita Fire Department. During his years of service, Kevin proudly held numerous positions and later served as President of the Tri-State Firefighters Life Members Association until the time of his passing.

Kevin and his wife relocated to Farmington, New Mexico, in 2011, which he called home for the remainder of his life. While living in Bloomfield, Kevin also served on the West Hammond Ditch Board, where he faithfully fulfilled the roles of treasurer, president of the board, and later director until the time of his passing.

Kevin loved nothing more than being surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a good beer, and making memories together. Kevin loved his family fiercely. He cherished time spent outdoors, riding his side-by-side, wheelin’ in his Bronco, teasing his mom and sisters, watching sporting events with his family, and most of all, hunting alongside his wife, his dad, his daughters, his brothers-in-law, his son-in-law, his granddaughter, his cousins, and nephew.

Kevin loved music; he always had music playing while working in his shop, and he loved to dance—if there was a dance floor, his wife and daughters had him out there. He devoted his life to his wife, daughters, and granddaughters. He cherished his grandbabies and spent his life being proud of them; you could find him playing on the floor or outside with his granddaughters. His personality and spirit are reflected and will live on in each one of them, his “baby girls,” as he called them. Kevin loved deeply. Kevin loved to laugh, and he was known for his happiness, cheerful spirit, and witty personality that brought joy to all who knew him.

Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.J. Erwin, Dortha (Wayne) Eades, and Audrey and Richard Starks Sr.; and by his father-in-law, Richard Nutter, and mother-in-law, Carolyn Johnson.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Christina Nutter Starks of Bloomfield, New Mexico; his daughters and son-in-law, Tiffany Sealey of Fruita, Colorado, and Kelsey (Skyler) Heath of Bloomfield, New Mexico. He was a proud Papa to Madelynn Tomlinson of Fruita/Nucla, Colorado, and Audrey Heath and Alayah Heath of Bloomfield, New Mexico.

He is also survived by his parents, Richard ‘Dick’ (Diana) Starks of Naturita, Colorado, and Phyllis Erwin-Knickerbocker of Bloomfield, New Mexico; his sisters, Kim (Mike) Searcy of Fruita, Colorado, and Koleen (Brian) Montano of Farmington, New Mexico; four nieces, two nephews, and four great-nephews; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly. Kevin will be remembered as a loving husband, the best dad, proud Papa, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. His dedication to service, strength, laughter, and unwavering love for his family and community will forever be cherished. Services will be held on January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nucla High School Gymnasium, Nucla, Colorado.

A precession to his service will begin at the Naturita Fire Hall at 10:30 am, where Kevin will take his final ride with his firefighter brotherhood.

A luncheon will follow the service at the Nucla Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, Kevin asked that donations be made to the following places:

Tri- State Life Members Association PO Box 2803, Milan, NM 87021 Nucla- Naturita Fire Department PO Box 740, Nucla, CO 81424 

Mayo Clinic in Phoenix AZ for Cancer Research.