Starling Russell Pittman

Starling Russell Pittman, 96, of Creston, went home to be with his Savior on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Starling was born in Beallsville, Ohio, on November 16, 1928, to John William Jr. and Stella (Ady) Pittman and grew up working on the family farm.  He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War, where he advanced to the rank of Corporal in the 4th Army Division.  He had been selected for Officer Candidate School having finished 12th out of 500 candidates, which was a great honor.

After serving, he made his home in Canaan for 72 years. On August 16, 1958, he married Roberta Jean Marcum. He retired in 1990 from Norwayne Local Schools having served as a custodian for 19 years.

Starling loved playing the guitar, especially playing hymns, bluegrass and classic country music, and was often jamming with family and friends and teaching grandchildren to play. He was a great NASCAR fan, always rooting for the Fords, and he also enjoyed go-kart racing.  Starling was a great storyteller who had homestead wisdom and the gift for tuning engines and hillbilly engineering. He was a charter member of West Hill Baptist Church and lived out his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Surviving is his wife, Roberta; children and their spouses, Jacqueline and Roy Adams of Wooster, Lavonne and Curt Stauffer of Shreve, and John and Casey Pittman of Copley; son-in-law, Monie Holmes of Wooster; grandchildren and their spouses, Aaron and Melodie Holmes, Alex Holmes, Benjamin and Stephanie Adams, Merry and Jacob Ackerman, Katelyn Adams, Jeff and Sarah Stauffer, Luke and Michala Stauffer, Kyle and Grace Stauffer, Amanda Pittman, Isaac Pittman and Allison Pittman; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bessie Atkinson of Wooster and Arlis Jean Archer of Orrville, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Holmes, grandson, Nickolas Adams, his parents, and a sister, Wilma McDougal.

A private graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Friday at Canaan Cemetery with Pastor Eric Fairhurst officiating. Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life service on Friday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at NorthLife Baptist Church, 2437 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, OH.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.