Obituaries

Leon Carroll “Big Leon” Starkey 90 passed away on March 23, 2023, at 5:59 p.m. at WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins, WV surrounded by his loved ones.  

He was born June 10, 1932, in Salem, WV to Carl and Stella (Buckhannon) Starkey who preceded him in death, along with one sister, Candance Turner and one granddaughter, Jamie Leigh Starkey.  

Leon is survived by the love of his life of 67 years, Phyllis (Greenlief) Starkey, his only child, Leon Carl Starkey, also known as “Little Leon” of Walkersville, WV and loving daughter-in-laws: Leslie Reedy of Valley Grove, WV, Christine Barr of Cross Lanes, WV and Reva Starkey of Flatwoods, WV. Leon was blessed with three granddaughters: Stacey Barton and husband, Jason of Pickerington, OH, Shana Boose and husband, Beau of Oak Island, NC and Shawna Cogar and companion Lucas Cottrell of Wana, WV and five great-grandchildren: Hunter Barton and companion Danae Pickens, Sydney Barton, Allanah Barton, Alton Cogar and Sawyer Cogar. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other wonderful extended family.  

Leon graduated from Glenville High School in Gilmer County, WV where he played basketball and was on the team that went to the state championship in Charleston. After High School he chose to serve his country and join the United States Navy. Leon enlisted on May 9, 1951 where he worked on the USS Salerno Bay, Escort Carrier as a Yeoman Service Member Third Class. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Navy Occupation Service Medal and was honorably discharged on April 28, 1955.  

On February 11, 1956 Leon married his true love, Phyllis in Akron, OH; and soon after welcomed their son. After residing in Ohio for a short time, Leon and Phyllis returned to Glenville, WV. Upon returning to Glenville, Leon worked with his family at the “Leon Restaurant” and as a manager of Starkey Sanitation Service, which was also family owned. While attending three and a half years of college at Glenville State College, where he majored in Education, he worked at the Log Cabin Service Station. Leon later went to work for the Gilmer County Board of Education as a Janitor, until a position became available, and he was able to move to the role of Bus Mechanic. After many years, Leon retired from the Gilmer County Board of Education.  

Leon enjoyed fixing things, from small engines to home repairs, maintaining his lawn but his biggest joy was his family. Leon took great pride in his family, ensuring that he was always there for them. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife watching WVU ball games and NASCAR races, tinkering with his son and playing with and joking with his granddaughters and great-grandchildren.  

A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV 26351 at 2:00 PM; Wednesday, March 29, 2023 with Stacey Barton, Shana Boose, Shawna Cogar, and Jason Barton officiating. Burial will follow in the Meadow Lane Cemetery near Glenville with Full Military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Friends will be received from 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM; Wednesday at the mortuary in Glenville.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Cleft Lip and Palate Center, 700 Children’s Drive, Suite T5E, Columbus OH 43205.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Leon Carroll Starkey with burial arrangements.