Kenneth Michael Stanley
Kenneth Michael Stanley entered into eternal life on June 21, 2022, after a courageous battle with A.L.S.
Born in Chardon on Oct. 23, 1950, to the late Albert and Sadie Stanley, Ken was a devoted father and servant leader, and was dedicated to the Ledgemont community from where he graduated in 1969.
He graduated from Mount Union College in 1973 as a four-year letter winner in wrestling with his B.S. in mathematics. There he met the love of his life, Linda.
He received his M.B.A. from Cleveland State University and was employed at Ohio Bell and Alltel Publishing.
After MUC, he returned home to his family farm, where he enjoyed hobby farming and raising dairy cows and beef with his parents, children and the kids in the neighborhood. He and his children were exhibitors at The Great Geauga County Fair for almost 30 years.
He raised four children, who were the second loves of his life. He raised them on stories from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and the many, many books he read. There was always time for a math problem or a puzzle or a discussion about the Civil War or about life’s big and little questions.
Ken could always be found on the sidelines cheering, playing his trombone, coaching (especially wrestling) and keeping score for his children and all of the children of his beloved Ledgemont community. He proudly served on the Ledgemont Schools Board of Education for nearly 15 years. He loved to talk about Ledgemont sports, especially Ledgemont football as he looked forward to each new season.
He was a former member of Huntsburg Congregational Church U.C.C. and member of First Congregational Church of Claridon U.C.C., where he served in many leadership positions and helped anchor the congregational singing. He was especially proud of his “Von-Stanley” Family Singers and Band.
As ALS ravaged his body, he still held on to his sense of humor and his love of sports, Ohio State and Cleveland, especially the Cleveland Indians (Guardians).
He and Linda lived life to the fullest traveling and going to the casino to win at black jack. He loved trains, reading, playing Risk on his computer, birdwatching and beating everyone on the TV game shows.
He was most proud of his children and all of their accomplishments.
Ken is survived by his wife, Linda (nee Simek); children, Pastor Robin Stanley, J.D., Cheryl (Robert) Beight D.P.T., Dr. Alison (Jason) Ohana, and Kevin (Jessica) Stanley, C.P.A/M.B.A.
He was dearly devoted and loved his grandchildren, Brooke, Bridget and Bo Beight, David, Benjamin, Jacob, Nathan, Leah and Talia Ohana, and Alex, Luke and Kate Stanley.
He is also survived by his siblings, Donald, Keith, Karen and Karyl; three aunts; 25 nieces and nephews; and many, many cousins and extended family, and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Visitation is Sunday, June 26, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., at the funeral home.
The family suggests contributions to the First Congregational Church of Claridon UCC Building Fund, 13942 Mayfield Road, Huntsburg, OH 44046.
Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
