Obituary of Brett Matthew Starnes

BRETT MATTHEW STARNES Brett Matthew Starnes, son of Joe and Dawn Starnes and brother of Shaun, died in his sleep on March 14, 2010 at his home in Seminole. Born November 27, 1992 in Clearwater, Florida, Brett was a junior at Seminole High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Brett also served as a teaching assistant and was well-respected by all his teachers. He was an avid fan of Seminole baseball, especially of his older brother, Shaun, and the high school baseball team recently recognized his support through a special memorial prior to their most recent game. Previously, Brett attended Madeira Beach Middle School and Rio Vista Elementary School. Brett played baseball and soccer for the Seminole Junior Warhawks. Recently, Brett was designated a "pro" MLG Gamer by Major League Gaming for Super Smash Brothers. Brett had won five national tournaments and was identified as one of "the Dangerous Five" by Electronic Gaming Monthly. Since his game stats were the highest of any player during the past four years, Brett was recently awarded an all-expense paid trip by MLG to participate in a national tournament in a Las Vegas, NV where he would have played before an audience of thousands of people. Brett recently began playing golf and turned out to be a natural. He was the best golfer on a team that won a "night golf" challenge tournament this winter. Brett also enjoyed snow skiing as well as spending time with his family and friends. Brett was a kind, loving young man, who always had a smile on his face and was complimentary of others. Never one to complain, Brett made a point of being a help to other people, both family members and friends. Quiet and reserved by nature, Brett possessed a wonderful sense of humor that made other people feel good about themselves. Brett's funeral will take place at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks at 10:00 am on Saturday March 20, 2010. The church is located at 12685 Ulmerton Road in Largo, FL. Brett was diagnosed with diabetes as a young child, the condition that ultimately claimed his life. Consequently, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the American Diabetes Association at their website: www.diabetes.org.