Municipal flags at Lansdale Borough Hall and Fairmount Fire Company are flying at half-staff today, as the community mourns the loss of two long-time volunteers who passed away under unrelated circumstances on Monday.
97-year-old William Starrett Jr., of Lansdale, and 81-year-old Joseph Hanes, of North Wales, both passed away on Dec. 9, according to the Fairmount Fire Company. Starrett joined the fire company when he was 18 years old and served for over 78 years, including 33 years as president of the Fairmount Fire Company Relief Association, and Hanes was an honorary member of the fire company for half a century.
“Fairmount Fire Company is saddened to learn of the passing of two of our longtime members,” said Jim Gray, who handles community relations for the Fairmount Fire Company. “Both men served our community with honor and passion. Our thoughts are with the Hanes and Starrett families as they deal with their incredible loss.”
Prior to their service to the borough, both men served in the military, with Starrett being stationed in Europe during WWII with the 9th Air Corps, and Hanes serving four years with United States Navy with the U.S.S. Johnston destroyer.
“My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of the Starrett and Hanes families,” said Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. “Whenever Lansdale loses dedicated community servants, it is a huge loss to our community. Lansdale has, and likely will always, be defined by those willing to dedicate themselves to serving our community. Members of our fire company are no different, and I am humbled and I deeply appreciate the lifetime of service and passion these men have contributed to Lansdale.”
According to his obituary, Starrett is survived by his children, Bonnie Jean Hales (Kenneth) and William James Starrett, III (Lynne); 2 grandchildren, Matthew Starrett Hales (Alison) and Jennifer Alicea Hales; 2 great grandchildren, Michelle and Jessica Hales; 3 step-grandchildren, Debb Burns (Don) of Macungie, Barbara Wilkins (Jody) of Wisconsin, Jay Engel (Julie) of Colorado; 5 step great grandchildren, 3 step great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends of Starrett will be received on Monday, Dec. 16 after 9:30 a.m. in the First Baptist Church, 700 N. Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446, where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler. Arrangements are entrusted to the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.
For Hanes, survivors include six children, Debra Welch (Mark) of Raleigh, NC, Michael Hanes (Linda) of Hatfield Township, Donna Clayton (Scott) of Schwenksville, Steven Bowen (Bonnie) of Phoenix, AZ, Kim Kosci (Bob) of Lansdale, and Scott Bowen (Lisa) of Columbus, OH; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Charles Hanes and Marilyn Hanes, according to his obituary.
Relatives and friends of Hanes are invited to greet the family from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Avenue, Lansdale, with the memorial service to follow at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date.
See also:
Fairmount Fire Company Seeks To Recruit Daytime Volunteers
Photos: 2019 Fairmount Fire Company 'Under the Lights' Car Show
Dick Bitner, Former Lansdale Mayor, Dies at 85
Obit: George T. Palmer, 59, Community Volunteer
George K. Seelig, 79, of Lansdale's Cardinal Camera
