Walter F. Staley, 101, of West Mansfield, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at Brookdale of Marysville, surrounded by his family.
A 1935 graduate of York Center High School, he was a lifetime farmer on the family farm in Union County. Family, farming and church were his life. He was a man of deep faith, integrity and humility. He was well known for his knowledge of the history of Union County.
He was a member of York Center United Methodist Church, and was a former member of McKendree Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday school superintendent. He was also a member of the Byhalia-York School Board, the Grange, farm bureau, Milk Producers Association and was an original member of the Young Yankee Yorkers 4-H Club.
He enjoyed woodworking, and in his later years, he and his wife, Frances Ruth (Shoup) Staley, would attend craft shows together to share their work. Most important of all was his time spent with his family.
He was born Oct. 10, 1917, in York Center, to the late Dale F. and Marietta (Spangler) Staley. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 73 years, Frances, whom he married at her parent’s home in York Center on April 6, 1941, and who died March 13, 2014; grandson, Dr. Craig Cooley; sister and her husband, Donna and Gerald Ruhl; and brother-in-law, Ralph Shoup.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl Cooley and Sharon (Bill) Kelley, both of Marysville, and Merrill (Beverly) Staley of West Mansfield; grandchildren, Eric Cooley, Shawn (Linda) Cooley, Angela (George) Hill, Matthew (Andrea) Staley, Mark (Betsy) Staley, Shannon (Travis) Upton, Paul (Kristen) Kelley and Sarah (Erich) Piland; great-grandchildren, Krandi, Brandon, Chase, Shawnna, Christian, Delaney, Katelyn, Rhett, Ryan, Brady, Kendal, Caleb, Spencer, Karlyn, Oliver, Kathryn, William, Sophia, Avery, Norah and Paige; great-great-grandchildren, Makayla, Mia and Jaxson; and church family.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel, 222 W. Center St., West Mansfield. The Revs. Carl Redding and Joe Rhea will officiate funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday at York Center United Methodist Church, 28170 Route 739, West Mansfield. Burial will follow at York Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to York Center United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.