N. Dean Starner

Mr. N. Dean Starner, age 92, of Camptown, PA passed away on April 9th, 2015 at the Mountain View Care Center, Scranton, PA. Dean was born on June 21, 1922 in Peach Glen, PA a son of the late Norman H. & Grace Mae Weidner Starner. He was raised on his parents’ farm and orchard in Adams County. He graduated from Biglerville High School in 1939 and earned a B.S. from Penn State University in 1943 and later an M.S. from PSU. He received certification in Agricultural Education, General Science, Vocational Industrial Education, and Director Vocational Education. He also studied Electronics at Trenton State College and studied welding at the Lincoln Electric Company in Ohio. He completed a variety of courses in electricity through the International Correspondence School in Scranton, PA. Dean started his teaching career in LeRaysville where he met his wife, Jane Elliott, also a teacher there. They were married July 28, 1944. She predeceased him on January 7, 1993 after 48 years of happy marriage. Dean taught Vo-Ag in LeRaysville HS, Camptown HS, Wyalusing HS, and Wyalusing Valley HS where he eventually transitioned over to vocational programs for Trades & Industry. He was very proud of his students and what they accomplished. It warmed his heart to hear of his students’ successful careers. Dean was a public school teacher for 34 years. From 1944 through 1946 Dean honorably served our country during WWII. He was a Quartermaster Third Class in the Amphibious Forces in the United States Navy. Most of his tour was on an LST in the Mediterranean. Besides being a teacher and an educator he managed a Tree Seedling Nursery and also a Welding Sales Business. He operated a small farm where he raised beef cattle, cut saw logs, firewood, and conducted timber stand improvement. He enjoyed creating many projects from the wood cut on their farm. He also co-owned a Christmas Tree farm for many years. He served as a livestock judge for local agricultural fairs. He also assisted with community projects with the Camptown Men’s Club. His favorite time of year was deer season when he took the opportunity to sit in the woods and wait for that big buck to cross his path. Dean loved his Lord Jesus Christ. He prayed and read his Bible daily and prayerfully supported many Christian organizations. He was a member of the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville. He also was a member of many professional organizations, including the PSEA, NEA, PA Forestry Association, and the Bradford-Sullivan Forest Landowners Assoc. He was a past director of the Bradford County Conservation District. Dean & Jane were recognized as the Pennsylvania Tree Farmer of the Year in 1977. This honor advanced to the Mid-Atlantic Tree Farmer award for which they received many accolades. Dean provided care at home for his wife for many years during her long-term illness. Surviving: Son: Robert D. (Deborah) Starner Dunnellon, FL Grandchildren: Lee (Tara) Starner, Cynthia Starner, Tamara (Scott) Putney, Thorsten (Christina) Starner Great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Mercedes, Ethan, Tristan, Evan Daughter: Doris S. (Douglas) Jensen Scranton, PA Grandchildren: James (Lisa) Jensen, Michael (Amy) Jensen Great-grandchildren: Rachel, Julia, Hayley Son: David E. (Joan) Starner Orange, VA Grandchild: Joshua Sister-in-law: Hellen M. Starner Gardners, PA Besides his parents and loving wife he was predeceased by a brother LaVerne E. Starner on February 15, 2008 and by infant twin brothers. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Braintrim Baptist Church, Laceyville, PA, with the Rev. Doug Jensen officiating and the Rev. Thomas Davis assisting. Interment will follow in the Merryall Cemetery. Friends and family may call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Ln, Wyalusing, PA 18853. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the Billy Graham Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 or online at billygraham.org. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, PA. To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of N. Dean Starner, please visit our flower store.