Donald L. Stanley, 80, formerly of Wood River, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2019 in Grassy, MO, where he had lived for the past 32 years.
Born in 1938, the son of Charles and Louise Stanley, he was raised in Wood River and attended East Alton - wood River Community High School.
He had worked as route driver and salesman for Frito-Lay. He was a property owner and landlord, spending much of his time commuting between his farm and Wood River to maintain the properties. He retired to Missouri where he lived life to the fullest on his farm raising goats and horses.
He loved nature, being outdoors, working on the far, never shying away from hard work. You rarely saw Don around town without his best friend of 75 years, Roy Dildine. The two were quite a pair. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, working around the farm, raising animals and he loved his dogs.
When his children were young, he enjoyed camping and canoeing and spending time at the family cabin on Carlinville Lake, where they enjoyed water sports. He had a lively personality, full of wit and humor. He enjoyed people and never met a stranger.
He married Debra K. Dickerson in 1987. She survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by, sons, Chris (Patty) Stanley of Wood River, Tim (Tammy) Stanley of Cocoa Beach, FL; daughters, Joni (Jorge) Fonrodona of Bethalto, Teri (Scott) Patterson of Fairfax, VA; 10 grandchildren, Mysti Maronie, Tyler Stanley, Alex and Andrew Fonrodona, Charlotte Holden and Phoebe Patterson, Zach and Maddy Ward; three great grandchildren, Jaylin Maronie, Grace and Kylie Moss; a sister, Capitola Stanley Hart of Charleston, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents and a brother, Charles Stanley preceded in death.
A Celebration of Life will be geld from 1 pm until time of service at 3 pm, Sunday at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.
Burial will be in Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
