Major K. Keith Starner (Ret.) NC Army National Guard, 60, of Benson passed away Friday, June 3, 2016. Keith was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Rosa Elizabeth Smith and Bruce Donald Starner. He was a graduate of Angier High School and Campbell University. Keith served 6 years in the US Navy as a nuclear missile technician and he served 18 years in the NC Army National Guard as an infantry officer. He worked as a geologist for the NC Rural Water Association.

Keith is survived by his wife of 22 years, Wendy Ellen Starner of Benson; daughter, Becky Eubanks and husband, Chester of Lillington; son, Justin O'Connor and wife, Tiffany of Clayton; son, Benjamin Starner of Benson; and 2 grandchildren, Bruce and Vaiden.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Chapel in Lillington. Burial with full military honors will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. The family will receive friends Monday evening at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home from 7:00-9:00 PM.