Olin Ellsworth Starnes

Olin Ellsworth Starnes passed away peacefully in his home in Merced, California on December 18, 2022. Olin was born in Bristow, Oklahoma on September 7, 1930. He moved to California in 1940 at the age of ten. Olin graduated from Biggs High School in 1949 and moved to Merced, California, where he pursued a career as a sheet metal worker. He subsequently owned two businesses, Allied Sheet Metal and Sierra Air Conditioning in Merced. In 1979 Olin moved to Lake Don Pedro to build a home, where he lived until 1987 upon returning to Merced. He lived in Merced for the remainder of his lifetime.

Olin was a Master (twice), Officers’ Coach, and Candidates’ Coach of the Merced Masonic Lodge, and a recipient of the prestigious Masonic Hiram Award. He received his 50 year Masonic pin in 2016. In 2007 he was a recipient of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, an honor for which one needs to be especially chosen. Olin was a member of White Shrine of Jerusalem and received the distinguished Miriam Award from the White Shrine. He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protected Order of the Elks (Chapter 1240) for 51 years. Olin was a member of the Merced Eagles Lodge 2194 and a nine-year secretary for the Lodge. He was a manager for the Eagles booth at the Merced County Fair for over 17 years. Olin was also a member of Club Mercedes, Merced.

Olin loved fishing. He would fish not only for recreation but also in trout tournaments, placing in the money with award-winning catches many times. He would go on trips with his friends, fishing for abalone. He also loved hunting, woodworking (especially building custom birdhouses), and camping. He studied painting both in watercolor and acrylics and was accomplished in this area, creating many beautiful paintings that his family and friends enjoyed.

Olin also loved flying. He received his pilot’s license in 1956. For some years he flew his own 1935 Waco CUC biplane, which he re-built, receiving a trophy for the accomplishment in 1961 from the Merced West Coast AAA Fly-In.

Olin is preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine Marie Starnes; his second wife, Margaret Starnes; his third wife, Betty Lou Starnes; and twin daughters Sharon Fleming and Karen Tweed. He is survived by twin boys Don Starnes and Dean Starnes and grandchildren Kara Jean Halfman, Olin Tweed, Mark Fleming, and Jesse Starnes, in addition to six great grandchildren and two step daughters, Julie Acker and Paula Nehrling.

"In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Merced #2194 Scholarship Fund."

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Starnes family.