Craig N. Stansbery, age 93, of Marion, has entered his new body in Heaven, and is now able to walk and talk again. He went to be with the Lord, Friday morning, October 25, 2013, at the Kingston Residence in Marion following an extended illness.
On October 7, 1920, Craig was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, one of three children of the late Harold and Freda (Roszman) Stansbery. To help his family, he left school early to start working at a young age.
One fateful day, while swimming at Owen’s quarry in Marion, Craig met his wife to be, Bertha Roush. They quickly realized they wanted to spend their lives together, and so they married on May 16, 1942, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion. Together they would share over 71 wonderful years of marriage, and were by each other’s side every step of the way.
Shortly after his wedding, Craig enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army with his fellow countrymen in the fight of World War II. He had been stationed in Germany and France, serving in the 11th Armored Division as a tank driver. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded a purple heart.
Upon his honorable discharge, Craig returned home to his bride in Marion, where he found work at the Eaton Corporation. For over 32 years, he was a dedicated worker there, working on press #5 and #6, which pressed their largest drums. He retired from there in 1984.
A man of faith, Craig was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 584, Eagles, Moose Lodge 889, Disabled American Veterans, and the Marion Senior Center.
A jack of all trades, Craig could do and make anything he put his mind to. For his family, he proudly built their home. He also enjoyed building small tractors to help tend to his yard.
Having a green thumb, Craig planted an impressive vegetable garden every year, growing some of the largest produce you have ever seen. He and Bertha then would can their produce to enjoy all year long.
Sharing a special relationship with his wife, he and Bertha enjoyed dancing together every Saturday night for over 50 years. They also loved to travel, going on many cruises, and taking trips to warm destinations like Florida, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Las Vegas.
Quite the “talker”, Craig had a fun loving and ornery personality and he loved to share story after story with his family and friends.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Bertha Stansbery of Marion; two children: Donna (Roy) Neagles Ferguson of Marion, and Robert (Terri) Stansbery of Bellefontaine; six grandchildren: Barry (Deb) Neagles, Connie (Kenny) Reed, Jason (Heidi) Neagles, Kim (Greg) Barnes, Vicki (Todd) Benoit, and Mike Stansbery; 19 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Keller of Kenton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Craig was preceded in death by his son, Larry N. Stansbery; a sister, Dorothy Obernour; and a son-in-law, James Neagles.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 28th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger& Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeremy Stout officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, and to the American Diabetes Association, and they can be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger& Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Craig’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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