John E. Starling

Lakeland - John E. Starling, 90, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was born July 31, 1925 in Lakeland, FL, John was a lifetime resident of Lakeland. John served in the US Navy on the USS Enterprise which fought in many of the key Pacific theater battles of World War II. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator for Mobil. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bradley and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Starling and two daughters Marie Starling & Tammy Starling. John is survived by his son Donald Starling and daughter Rebecca Starling both of Lakeland, FL. Brother Carroll Starling and wife Sharon of Mulberry, FL and sister Doris Perser of Gig Harbor, WA. Nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Friday, May 20, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 10:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL.