GALION–A Galion philanthropist who thought of his community first is still giving even though he died 25 years ago.

The trust of longtime resident Kenneth R. Sterrett is being disbursed for the final time this month to three organizations – the First United Church of Christ in Galion, the Ohio Masonic Home, and the Galion Community Center-YMCA.

Dan Shealy, Sterrett’s financial advisor with Edward Jones in Galion, said his assets included stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, but his investing strategy was old-school – buy and hold. “He was a very conservative guy. No one knew he had money at all.”

Sterrett was a fixture at Edward Jones, stopping in the office every day to read “The Wall Street Journal,” Shealy said. “He became a friend, and we would go out to lunch once or twice a week and go out and talk.

His favorite meal was liver and onions.”

Sterrett, an electrical engineer at the former North Electric Co. in town, was 88 when he died on Nov. 13, 1998.
His estate plan was set up by attorney Dave Keller, who is a distant relative by marriage. “He was a student of stocks, a wise investor,” Keller said.

Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Sterrett moved to Galion in 1934. A year later, he married Dorothy F. Miller of Galion at the First United Church of Christ. He joined the church and became very active in the Galion Lodge 414 Free & Accepted Masons and the Galion Chapter 142 Royal Arch Masons.

Doug Court, chairman of First UCC’s memorial and endowment committee, said Sterrett was quiet, very frugal, and usually sat in the back of the church. Income from his trust has always been used as designated to maintain church buildings and grounds, he said.

In January, Court said, the Sterrett trust was established as part of the church’s endowment fund.

“It’s been a Godsent to us. It’s been very beneficial to our church because the income has been used to maintain the buildings and grounds, so it allows the congregation to concentrate on mission and church work.”

Sterrett went on to hold top posts within the Masons as district deputy grand master of Ohio Masons and as a representative of the Grand Lodge of Norway, among others. He was also a member of the Aladdin Shrine of Columbus and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus.

He and his wife didn’t have any children. They enjoyed 53 years together before she died June 23, 1988.

Keller said Sterrett, who was always seen around town wearing a dress shirt and tie, was a true gentleman – kind, quiet, and reserved.

“He would have never wanted any recognition while he was living but I’m glad he’s getting some recognition now. He deserves some recognition now.”