The Daily Me

OBITUARIES

WILLARD A. STARBIRD
Willard A. Starbird SANGERVILLE, Willard A. Starbird, 88, died October 5, 2005, at his home in Sangerville. He was born March 21, 1917, in Sangerville, the son of Carroll and Myrtie (Thomas) Starbird. He graduated from Dexter High School and the Maine School of Commerce (Hussen College). Willard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1937 and During WWII served for 23 months in New Guinea and the Philippines, with the 31st Infantry Division, (the Dixie) as one of the few “Damn Yankees”. In the service he progressed from private to captain and was proud of his medals, including the bronze star.

Willard owned and operated the IGA store in Sangerville for 25 years, until it was destroyed by fire in 1973. Active in town affairs, he served as selectman, school board director, town manager, and for 25 years has been the chairman of the Guilford- Sangerville Water District. He was the founder and 1st president of the Sangerville Development Corporation which built the Oakes Manor senior citizens complex. Active in church affairs, he served as treasurer for many years at the Sangerville United Church. He was instrumental in the development of Grace Bible Church, where he was Board Chairman and Elder for many years. He was a past president of the Guilford Area Kiwanis, was a founder and 1st Commander of Stott-Flanders American Legion Post, and a past Legion County Commander.

His Masonic affiliations began in 1946 at Abner Wade Lodge # 207 where he served as Master in 1954, 1955, 1957, and 1958. Willard served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Masonic district, the High Priest of Piscataquis Chapter #21, and for many years as treasurer of Central Council #18. He joined St. Johns Commandery in 1967 and Anah Shrine in 1968. Willard was a charter member of the Past Master’s Unit, enjoyed working degrees throughout the northern jurisdiction, and was treasurer since 1989. He was initiated into Tamerlane Conclave in 1983 and served as Sovereign in 1992. In 1993 he was appointed to the line in the Imperial Council and served as Grand Sovereign from 2004 to 2005.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores (Dellaire) Starbird of Sangerville and her children, Jeffrey Edes, (and his children, Michael and Alex), Mark Edes, Chris Arsenault and his wife, Susan, (and their children, Caleb and Colby); a son, Dr. Dannel Starbird and his wife Sherri of Dover-Foxcroft and his children, Dane Starbird and his wife, Jessica, Sarah Allen and her husband, Trevor, (and their son Griffin), Levi Starbird, and Katherine Starbird, (as well as Sherri’s children, Meghan Hamilton and her husband, Mike Yallen, and Travis Hamilton); and a son Derrel Starbird and his wife, Jacqueline of Dover-Foxcroft; several nieces, nephews and cousins including a special cousin, Charles Starbird. He was predeceased by his first wife of 54 years, Louine (Hussey) Starbird; 4 brothers, George, Gene, Abner, and John; and is survived by their wives, Gardis, Gladys, and Dora.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, October 16th at Grace Bible Church in Sangerville with Pastor David Kelly officiating. A graveside committal service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter, with members of Abner Wade Masonic Lodge and members of the Stott-Flanders American Legion Post assisting. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home in Guilford. Due to allergies, the family asks that flowers be omitted. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Willard’s memory to Grace Bible Church, P.O. Box 157, Sangerville, ME 04479.

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