Dr. Shannon "Paul" Starr passed away suddenly in Denton, Texas on Monday, April 15, 2024. He suffered a massive stroke caused by a brain aneurism. He was born in Lubbock, Texas to Nelson and Jean Starr on September 27, 1965. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Starr. Dr. Starr is survived by his husband, David Morgan Hudson of Denton, Texas; son Scott Parker Hudson and fiancé Taylor Hux of New Orleans, Louisiana; step-son Gregory Hall and wife Haley of New Orleans, Louisiana; father Nelson Starr of Highland Village, Texas; brother Cole Starr and wife Amy of Tyler, Texas; niece Julia Starr of Tyler, Texas; nephew Spencer Starr of Tyler, Texas; and a host of extended family, wonderful friends and colleagues, and grateful patients who inspired him every day.

Paul spent his earliest years in Duncan, Oklahoma where his dad worked for Haliburton. The family moved when Nelson was transferred to Cambridge, England for work. Paul and his family enjoyed happy years in England and traveled the continent as much as possible. These early years abroad fostered Paul's life-long love of travel.  Paul graduated from Lewisville High School, the University of Dallas, and Texas Tech Medical School. While at UD, he double majored in biology and theater studies. He spent a semester in Rome and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe during his time there. As a doctor, he specialized in family medicine and worked in clinics in Louisiana and Wisconsin until he made his way back to Texas. As his mother Jean declined with dementia-related health issues, Paul provided expert and loving medical  care to her in her twilight years.

Paul was devoted to the practice of medicine, and he practiced it with artistry. His most recent position was with Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) where he served as Medical Director. Paul was passionate about his work at HSNT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable medical care for the entire family, many of whom are an underserved demographic, HSNT is committed to providing compassionate services using an approach that provides the highest level of care while giving patients the tools they need to take charge of their health. He researched health issues and stayed abreast of developments in medicine and treatments. Paul was not afraid to tell his patients (and family) things they needed to hear about their health, even if they did not want to hear it. We can fully imagine him in heaven, asking St. Peter if he is eating right and trying to take the angels' blood pressure. Paul genuinely cared about people, and empowering them with health information and advice was one way he showed this concern.

In addition to his medical practice, Paul was gifted in many areas. He was a talented musician and vocalist. He played several musical instruments, including the piano and flute. He sang at weddings, special events and in choral performances. . He was creative and worked on any number of projects at any given time, including an ill-advised and poorly thought-out self-built hot tub in his backyard. Paul and David hosted many functions for friends and family at their beautiful home where they treated their guests with sumptuous food and warm hospitality.

These mere words are not sufficient to adequately convey Paul's generosity, quick wit, loving heart, and bright spirit which forever shine in our hearts. We will miss him so much and we are having a hard time imagining a world without him in it.  We are, however, forever grateful that we were blessed to have him in our lives. As Christians, we have faith that we will be reunited with him in eternity. We have no doubt that he has been reunited with his mother, Jean, and they are undoubtedly planning something and laughing with a joy that resounds throughout heaven.

A memorial service will be held at Garden Ridge Church of Christ in Lewisville, Texas on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Paul's family asks for donations HSNT at healthservicesntx.org or in the alternative to Our Daily Bread.