Gleason W. Starn

Gleason W. Starn, 76, of Meadville, founder of Starn Tool and Manufacturing, died Thursday, May 15, 1980, at City Hospital.  He had become ill suddenly Wednesday at his home.

Starn's brother, James O., was a partner and manager in the tool company which was started in September 1954.  The company held patents on two products and sold one product in the US and Canada for more than 20 years.

Starn also was the owner of G. W. Starn Rec-Vee Trailer Sales, located on Route 86 at Fountain House Corners.  Starn was employed at Talon, until his retirement in 1976, at which time he held the position of manager of tool manufacturing.

He was a member of Stone United Methodist Church.  In addition he held membership with Masonic Lodge 408, Erie Scottish Rite Bodies and Zem Zem Shrine Temple of Erie.  He also was a member of Crawford County Shrine Club, Meadville Kiwanis Club and Meadville Country Club.

He was long an advocate of building an ice skating rink in Meadville and a member of the Figure Skating Club.

He was born in Barberton, OH, December 28, 1903, a son of Willoughby and Grace Baker Starn.  He married Ruth N. Rose.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Marvin A. of Shalimar, FL and Jon G. of Newark, OH; two sisters, Mrs. Alfred (June) Clark of Denver and Mrs. Henry (Florence) Bear of Lake Forest, IL; three brothers, Clarence of Athens, OH, Fred of Berea, OH and James of Meadville and four grandchildren.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Lakewood Cemetery.