Obituaries 11-05-26

JAN MARDSON SCARBROUGH

Oct. 31, 2026

Jan Marsdon Scarbrough died unexpectedly in the early hours of Saturday 
morning, Oct. 31, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jan grew up in the close-knit community of Meadville, where he was 
known and loved by so many. Affectionately nicknamed "Saw Bones" 
during his younger years, he carried that name throughout his life, with 
many friends still calling him by it today.

Jan and his family experienced heartbreak at an early age when his 
mother, Dorothy Ann, died when he was only 4 years old. He grew up 
alongside his older brother, Dan, and his sisters, Sandra and Sherry. 
Later in life, his family grew to include David and Dwight.

A 1967 graduate of Franklin High School, he proudly played football for 
the Franklin Bulldogs and distinguished himself as an exceptional track 
athlete. For one summer, his father sent him to work on Merchant Marine 
ships traveling the world. He had many stories to tell about these days. 
He graduated from the University of Mississippi and was a member of 
Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Following college, Jan returned to his hometown of Meadville, where he 
worked for Scarbrough Motors. He then "hitched hiked," as he loved 
to tell, to Haight Asbury, Calif., and other parts of the United States, 
where he pursued a career in construction. One of his proudest 
accomplishments was building a beautiful summer home for his sister, 
Sandra, in Islesboro, Maine. It was a project that brought him 
tremendous pride and satisfaction.

Jan eventually returned to Mississippi, where he continued his career in 
historic restoration in Natchez. His craftsmanship and dedication can be 
seen can be seen in numerous buildings throughout South Mississippi and 
Franklin County. He later returned to his roots in Meadville, settling 
into a beautiful home he built himself, a reflection of his talent.

Among his many meaningful projects was the Franklin County Chess Center 
in Meadville, where he had the privilege of working alongside good 
friends and the late philanthropist, Wade Creekmore.

Jan was loved by all. Charming, funny and sometimes set in his ways, he 
had a personality that was truly his own. His children lovingly 
described him as "painfully old fashioned," a quality that was as 
much a part of his charm as his wonderful sense of humor. Jan had a zest 
for life and enjoyed living it to the fullest.

Above all, Jan adored his four children and took tremendous pride in 
each of them. He was a constant support to them throughout their lives. 
He loved their visits to Meadville and always attended his 
grandchildren's dance recitals and sporting events. His love for his 
family was unwavering, and the memories they created together will 
forever be cherished.

Jan is survived by his four children and their respective spouses, 
daughters Ella Brandt, Ann and Matt Williams and Elyssa and Joseph Addy 
and his son, Jan Marsdon and Caroline Scarbrough, Jr.; his 
grandchildren, Clark and Charlotte Brandt, Molly, Sara and Quinn 
Williams and Adyn and Beau Addy.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Dr. 
Dan and Cheryl Scarbrough, Sherry Jones, David and Lugenia Scarbrough 
and Dwight and Jan Morrison. Jan held a special place in the hearts of 
his many nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom lovingly 
knew him as "UJ."

And, of course, he is survived by Shorty, his beloved four-legged 
companion.

Jan was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ann McGehee Scarbrough; 
his father, Bill Scarbrough; his stepmother, Hilda Scarbrough; his 
sister, Sandra Kramer; his brothers-in-law, John Kramer and Lee Jones; 
and his wife, Claire Carter Wood.

Jan leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a legacy of love and countless 
stories that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who 
knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Pallbearers were Ward McGehee, Marvin Myers, Bill Parker, Don Davidson, 
Charlie Myers, Matt Williams, Joseph Addy and Clark Brandt.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.franklinifh.com.

Franklin Funeral Home of Meadville was in charge of arrangements.