Willard Cutler Waid

Willard Cutler Waid, 93, of Meadville, founder of the Waid Funeral Home and a mortician for 56 years, died at Mead Nursing Home, Monday, September 28, 1970.  He had been in failing health.

Mr. Waid was educated in Randolph Township public schools, graduated from Meadville High School and attended Edinboro State Normal School.

He taught school at public schools in Randolph Township for three years.  During his last year of teaching (1899-1900), he was principal of Randolph Township High School.

From 1900 to 1929, Mr. Waid operated a furniture and hardware store in Guys Mills and also served as funeral director there.  He was postmaster for Guys Mills from 1911 to 1922.

In May 1929, he entered into partnership with the J. Willis Arnold for operation of a funeral home in Meadville and a branch in Townville.  The partnership was dissolved in 1933 so Mr. Arnold could go to Townville.

Mr. Waid continued to operate the funeral home on Walnut Street alone until he entered into partnership with is son, Leland V. Waid, January 1, 1937.  The funeral home was moved to Chestnut Street in June of 1952 and Mr. Waid continued his partnership in the business until December 31, 1956 when he sold his interest to his son.

Robert W. Waid, son of Leland V. Waid, became affiliated with the funeral home in 1963 and took over operations after his father's death in 1966.

Mr. Waid was a member of Stone United Methodist Church and its men's Bible Class.  He was an honorary member of the administrative board of the church.  Mr. Waid was a member of Randolph Grange adn was a 50-year member of Cussewago Odd Fellows Lodge.

He was born in Randolph Township, December 4, 1876, a son of Seth and Elethear Cutler Waid, Jr.  He married the former Mabel Elizabeth Virtue, June 19, 1900.

Surviving, in addition to his widow, are one daughter, Miss Millicent Eloise Waid of Meadville; two grandchildren, Robert W. Waid and Suzanne Waid, both of Meadville and two great-grandsons.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Greendale Cemetery.