Tributes to former mayor

Tuesday 17th February 2009, 1:25PM GMT.

Stuart Starkey Tributes have been paid to a former Wem mayor and “perfect gentleman” who has died aged 86.

Stuart Starkey, from Wellgate, served on Wem Town Council for more than 20 years. He also served as mayor during that time.

He died on February 4 from a heart condition.

Councillor Peggy Carson today said Mr Starkey and his wife Beryl ran a fish and chip shop in Aston Road.

“He was very well respected in Wem as a businessman, mayor and councillor and he was well-liked by the townspeople,” she said. “He was one of a kind, a perfect gentleman and very, very nice. He will be missed.”

Beryl Starkey, 85, said: “He liked cricket and football, he liked his golf and he enjoyed all his years with the Wem Town Council.”

Mr Starkey leaves son Stuart David, 63 and daughter Susan Dorothy, 58, as well as four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He served on Wem Town Council from 1970-1991 and was mayor in 1976.

His funeral is tomorrow at noon at Wem Parish Church.

View more: North Shropshire news.