David Michael Starling

David Michael Starling, 71, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio passed away too soon on September 8, 2025. Dave was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He was a 1972 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball during his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was elected as captain of all three teams during his senior year and earned many awards and accolades.

Dave attended Youngstown State University on combined basketball and baseball scholarship. Dave transferred to Capital University where he competed in football, basketball, and baseball. He was chosen as the Most Valuable Player his senior year and, as a pitcher, set a record for number of wins (along with 40 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run). He received the distinguished Bill Bernlohr Award which recognizes the top male student-athlete. Dave graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education. He taught for Hamilton Local Schools and Reynoldsburg City Schools for a combined thirty-two years.

Dave cherished the time that he spent with family. He loved his family with all his heart; his family was his pride and joy. Lauren was such a gift to us...our miracle that we worked so hard for and prayed endless hours for. From the first day that Dave held Lauren, he knew that she was meant to be ours. He was such an incredible girl dad to his princess. Every morning he would tell her that she woke up even prettier than she was the day before. Dave always mentioned that we were so blessed to have Michael as part of our family. People always need a kind word, a gentle smile and prayer; Michael always seemed share these with others… so much like Dave. Another miracle and answered prayer came into our lives by the name of Collins, our precious granddaughter. Dave, also known as Papaw, cherished Collins, doted on her and was so proud of her. Every nap that Collins took at our house was on Papaw’s lap. She was the light of his life and his greatest joy. Dave treasured every moment that he spent with her. Dave and Sherry met when he was a football coach and she was the cheerleading advisor at Hamilton Township High School. They were the original English teacher and gym teacher. Dave would always call and introduce her as, "my lovely little wife".  She was his source of love and support in his life. Dave was the love of her life and greatest blessing. Not a day passed that Dave didn’t tell Sherry that he loved her and that she was beautiful. They were happily married for forty-two years. Dave’s unconditional love for his family was reflected through his unwavering support, his quiet selfless sacrifices, his patience and grace and immense pride that showed on his face whenever he spoke of them. His family will never be able to fill the void in their hearts but will always keep him in their hearts and prayers. Dave was a great man. He lived an impactful life marked by his love for God, family and friends and the sport of baseball.

Dave grew up always having some type of athletic ball in his hands. His true calling, however, was coaching.  He instructed young athletes in the fundamentals of the game, and more importantly, the value of having HEART: Humility, Effort, Attitude, Respect and Trust. Dave’s passion and love for the game were matched only by his steadfast dedication to his players. He sought the potential in each and pushed them to be champions on and off the field.  For many years Dave shared his love for God by hosting high school students at our house for Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings. Dave was a mentor, a role model and a second father to many of his players and assistant coaches. He was always there with a word of encouragement or a push to be better.

Coaching and Achievements:

Reynoldsburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame – 1993

Reynoldsburg Varsity Baseball Head Coach – 27 years (1983-2009)

New Albany Varsity Baseball Head Coach – 6 years (2016-2022)

Hilliard Bradley Varsity Baseball Head Coach – 3 years (2023-2025)

Baseball Career Record 572 wins; 305 losses

7 Ohio Capital Conference Championships

7 District Titles

2 Regional Championships

2 State Final Four Appearances (2004 and 2021)

State Championship with New Albany (2021)

7 time Ohio Capital Conference Coach of the Year

4 time Central District Coach of the Year

Columbus Dispatch Coach of the Year (2003 and 2019)

This Week Coach of the Year (2019)

American Baseball Coach’s Association Division I Coach of the Year (2021)

Central Ohio District Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (2009)

State of Ohio Division I Coach of the Year (2019)

Ohio High School Baseball Association Hall of Fame (2023)

Reynoldsburg High School, New Albany, and Hilliard Bradley: All taken the furthest in tournament play at each school in Division I

Dave’s greatest legacy is not measured in wins and losses, but in the countless lives that he helped shape. For over three decades, Dave was a pillar of the Central Ohio baseball community.

Matthew 25:23 “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Dave was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elizabeth and Lyle Starling. He is survived by the love of his life, Sherry; his cherished daughter, Lauren; his faithful son-in-law, Michael; his precious granddaughter, Collins; his two brothers, Dan Starling (Deb); Tim Starling (Pat); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. He is also survived by treasured friends, Mike and Sue Murphy.

Dave’s family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Reynoldsburg Community Church, 1636 Graham Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Reynoldsburg Community Church with Pastor Dean Fulks presiding. Parking is located in the lot behind the church. A graveside service will follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The family requests that donations be made to the Hilliard Bradley Dugout Club by sending a check to: The Hilliard Bradley Dugout Club, 6221 Barley Oaks Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 or to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at: http://my.fca.org

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