Birdell Alfonso Starkes , a son of Reverend Ira T. and Velma Jackson Starkes, was born on July 27, 1945 in Vallejo, California. On November 7, 2021, the Lord in His ultimate greatness called him home to glory.

He was baptized at an early age.

He received his education at Vallejo High School, graduating at the top of his class. He received his Master's Degree as a Licensed Social Worker from the University of San Francisco.

Birdell entered the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He served during the Vietnam War (Tet Offensive Ho Chi Minh) as a helicopter pilot. His helicopter was attacked and he was captured and became a Prisoner of War (POW) for several months. His last duty assignment was the Charleston Naval Weapons Station. Birdell received numerous decorations, medals, badges and commendations, some of which to name a few: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and more.

Birdell became a Civil Rights activist and joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), working with the late Roy Innis. Birdell was an important part of CORE's historic Atlanta Child Murders investigation. CORE's first Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration started in the 1980s, with Birdell being among the founding leaders.

Birdell wrote several newsletters for the Charleston Chronicle founded by the late Jim French. Birdell was also a business owner.

In 2009, a former colleague, Shirley Monaco requested Birdell's assistance with the development of a continuum of employment training and residential coordination for formerly incarcerated individuals in the Bay Area at the Northern California Service League (NCSL) in San Francisco, CA, targeting primarily male offenders with drug-addition issues. NCSL provided in-jail services including: substance abuse counseling, life skills classes, parenting groups, anger management training and relapse prevention support. Al travelled back and forth to San Francisco utilizing his expertise as a licensed social worker.

Birdell (Al) was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend who was always there when you needed him. We will truly miss his smile, his conversation, his laughter, his kind loving way in both word and deed. We respected and cherished his wisdom, his knowledge and his forgiving, comforting spirit. His legacy will remain in our hearts forever.

Birdell was preceded in death by: his parents, Rev. Ira T. Starkes and Velma J. Starkes; two sisters, Shirley Tanna Starkes-Montanez and Barbara Jean Starkes; and a brother, Otis DeLonzo Starkes.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Hannah P. Starkes; his children, Kevin B. Stewart, Alfonso L. Starkes, James A. Starkes, Fredrick R. McCoy and Tyler T. McCoy; his grandchildren, David Stewart, Ivory Stewart, Xaiveon McCoy and Aiden McCoy; one sister-in-law, Lizzie M. Fennick (Maurice); six brothers-in-law, Walter Pou (Brenda), Justin Pou (Emma), David Pou (Evonne), Paul Pou (Yvette), Peter Pou (Arlena) and Little John Pou; special nieces, Cheri Staton, Victoria Montanez and Deborah Montanez; special nephew, DeLonzo Starks (Deborah); two special friends, Beatrice Brown and Michelle Pierce; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends in California and Texas.

The family is not receiving visitors at this time. Your prayers and understanding are appreciated.