Henry Joseph "Sonny" Staruska, age 87 of Waller, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Rosie Starustka; daughter, Patty Jean Staruska; granddaughter, Tori and several siblings and survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Cater Staruska; daughters Dian Joyce Wise, Kathy Jo Staruska and Mary Beth Pipkin; brother, Charles Starustka and wife Margie; grandchildren, Jason Wise, Heather Matlock and husband Tony, Tara Strum and husband Derek, Travis O'Saile, Shyanne Pipkin and Skylar Pipkin; great grandchildren, Alex, Connor, Jude, Lucy and MacKenzie as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and dear friends.

Sonny was born in 1929 in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Waller High School, where he had many athletic accomplishments. He earned the title of The Waller Flash after winning 1948 UIL Track & Field State Champion in the 440 Yard Dash. Later he attended Wharton Junior College and Texas A&M. He continued his track and field competition while he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked many years as a gas analyst for Tennessee Gas Pipeline. In 1987 he became a real estate agent. Before retiring in 2007, he thoroughly enjoyed serving the real estate needs of his community. Sonny was loved by many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Sonny would be honored if those of you that can, would donate blood to your local blood bank. Giving blood was something Sonny was passionate about and did on a regular basis. He donated over 15 gallons while he was physically able. He was instrumental in organizing blood drives all over the Waller area.

Visitation will be at Canon Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 5-7pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11am at Canon Funeral Home with John Isom and Judge Albert M. "Buddy" McCaig Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Filedstore Cemetery.