Glenn L. Custard

SAEGERTOWN — Glenn L. Custard, 98, of 20881 State Highway 198, Saegertown, formerly of 10167 Franklin Pike, Meadville, passed away Friday, April 24, 2009, at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown.Glenn was born in Meadville on Jan. 15, 1911, the son of the late Herbert J. and Anna Barbara Lorhi Custard.On May 9, 1937, Glenn married Helen D. Coulter; she preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 1993. Following his 1929 graduation from Meadville High School, Glenn worked as a self-employed dairy farmer, along with his father, for many years. Subsequent to his retirement from the dairy farm, he retired from the former American Viscose Corp. of Meadville after several years of employment. A hard worker all of his life, Glenn also ran a saw mill, enjoyed cutting and splitting fire wood to sell every year up until the age of 87. Somewhat of an adventurer, in 1933 Glenn jumped a local train and "hoboed" all the way to the Chicago World's Fair to enjoy the event, then "hoboed" his way back to Meadville. Glenn appreciated being a lifetime resident of Franklin Pike, and while living there was proud of being Franklin Pike's oldest resident. Glenn took great pride in being the patriarch of five generations of Custards. He was blessed with a very alert mind and great memory, especially regarding events that took place over the years in Crawford County, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.Glenn is survived by four children, Randal D. Custard and his wife, Heidi, of Friendswood, Texas, Janet Oakes and her husband, Ernest, of Cochranton, Kenneth E. Custard of Saegertown, and Betty Beckman and her husband, Richard; 13 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.In addition to his wife, Helen, of 55 years, Glenn was preceded in death by a stepgrandson, Chris Beckman; a great-grandson, Joey Peiffley; two brothers, Bernard Custard and Robert Custard; and a daughter-in-law, Sara Curly Custard.Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where the funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, with the Rev. Douglas A. Messerall, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will take place in Kiser Hill Cemetery, East Mead Township.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crawford County Care Center, 20881 State Highway 198, Saegertown, Pa. 16433; Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., Meadville, Pa. 16335; or Shriners Hospital of Erie, 1645 W. Eighth St., Erie, Pa. 16505.