LEON C. STANLEY

Leon Clair Stanley, 83, of Midland, Michigan passed away peacefully at MidMichigan Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born May 28, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Leonard and Hilda (Eberhart) Stanley. Leon graduated from Clare High School in 1956 before attending Central Michigan University. He served in the U.S. Army Artillery from 1961-1963. After returning from the Army, he married the love of his life, Rita (Wilberding) Stanley, on May 25, 1963 and they shared 58 years together. Leon worked for the City of Midland Fire Department and the Dow Chemical Company as a draftsman, illustrator and purchasing agent retiring in 1995. Leon fulfilled his dream of building a home for his family; he lived there with Rita for 52 years. When he wasn’t building homes and pole barns, he was working on an array of projects and inventions. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and took great pride in caring for his lawn and garden. Leon will be remembered for his quick wit and never-ending supply of stories and jokes. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, telling (and sometimes re-telling) his impressive tales. He touched the lives of family and friends and created many lasting memories. He will be forever missed.

Leon is survived by his wife Rita, his daughters and sons Lisa (Tim) Novak, Brian Stanley, Amy (Mark) Newton, and Craig Stanley; grandchildren Megan, Ben, and Bryan Novak, Ethan and Sophie Stanley, and Leigha, Mallory, and Alec Newton. He is also survived by his siblings Bonnie Humphrey, Larry (Diane) Stanley, Patricia (Bob) Eichler, and Bill Stanley as well as in-laws Rosella (Bob) Mikols, Roger (Connie) Wilberding, Ruth Ann Kendziorski, Mary Jane Eicher, Frank (Cindy) Wilberding, Therese (Jesse) Fitzgibbon, Barbara (Bob) Haddix, Rick Wilberding, Lori (Pat) Murphy and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Joseph Humphrey, and Edward, Leo, Bill, and Albert Wilberding. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church with Fr. Joe Griffin officiating. Leon’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the Liturgy. A Vigil Service will take place 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Leon’s memory.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church with Fr. Joe Griffin officiating. Leon’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the Liturgy. A Vigil Service will take place 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Leon's memory.