Leonard Starks was born August 12, 1932, in Smith County,Texas to the late Jesse Starks, Sr. and Amanda Walker Starks. He was a graduate of Emmett J. Scott High School Class of 1951. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged after serving for a brief time. He retired from Lowe's.

Leonard united in marriage to Virginia Wynell Fields on June 16, 1956, and to this union four children were born.

Leonard was an excellent cook. He loved to barbecue and feed those who were less fortunate. He played fast pitch softball, coached his son's little league baseball team, was a die-hard Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys fan, and loved playing dominoes. Leonard was also a father figure to many young men and women in Texas College Apartments.

On January 23, 2025, Leonard gained his wings. He is preceded in death by both parents; daughter Sherry Johnson; sister Charlene; brothers Jesse, Jr., Billy Charles, Roy Lee and John Wesley; and son-in-law Pate Square.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 68 years, Wynell Starks; daughters Debbie Square, Tyler, TX and Shun Watson (Brandon), Rowlett, TX; son Reginald Starks, Tyler, TX; daughter-in-law Tia Starks, Tyler, TX; one brother,Melvin L. Starks (Theopha), Los Angeles, CA; one sister, Carolyn F. Starks, Tyler, TX; five grandchildren; Shatara Starks (whom he raised), Chardonnay Deary, Dasmin Starks, D'MonteStarks and Devyn Starks; four great-grandchildren; Kaia Starks-Ross, Skylar Starks-Ross, Londyn Deary and Jordyn Deary, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.