Leslie E. Stanley

Leslie E. Stanley

October 28, 1928-December 18, 2024

Leslie Ellsworth Stanley “LES” entered into rest on December 18, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, uncle, and friend.

Les was born on October 28, 1928, in Osawatomie, Kansas.  He was the youngest of eight children to Albert and Maude Stanley. After a stellar athletic experience playing high school football and basketball, Les graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1946 and went to work for Safeway Stores and the Kansas State Highway Department. In 1952, he joined the Missouri Pacific Railroad and began a railroad career that spanned 37 years working his way up from signal gang member to Director, Signal Engineering before he retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. During his tenure with the railroad, he lived in Osawatomie, KS; Paola, KS; Independence, MO; Big Spring, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Florissant, MO and Omaha, NE. After retiring from the Union Pacific, he worked as a consultant for the railroad until 2002.

Les married his high school sweetheart, Helen Mullins, in August 1947. They were married nearly 67 years until Helen’s death in July 2015.  Together they loved to entertain family and friends and shared a true gift for hospitality and gardening. They also spent many years volunteering and working in their churches. Les and Helen enjoyed a wonderful life together.

Les was a man of faith and a great patriot who was devoted to his family and love of country. In addition to serving in his church and community, he was a member of the Kansas Masons.

Les loved sports and was a longtime patron of the College World Series in Omaha. That tradition and legacy continues each year with his family as ticket holders of his seats.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Maude Stanley; siblings: Henry Stanley, Grace Rogoski, Thelma Astin, Elinor Young, Mary Jane Strode, Jack Stanley, Charlotte Giager; his wife, Helen Stanley; son-in-law, Todd Pruitt.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Sokolewicz (Jim) of Papillion, NE; son, David Stanley (Jean) of Denton, TX; daughter, Leslie Pruitt of Shawnee, KS; 7 grandchildren: Jason (Summer) Sokolewicz, Jennifer Stanley, Justin Stanley, Allyson Sokolewicz, Ethan Pruitt, Emily (Dan) Skoglund, and Sarah Pruitt; 7 great-grandchildren:  Alexis, Avery, and Cassidy Sokolewicz; Ryan Stanley, Caroline Stanley, Allan and Thomas Skoglund; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his caregivers at Hillcrest who provided him exemplary care over the last 4 years through their example of love and kindness.

Les will lie inter in the Osawatomie Cemetery next to his beloved Helen. He will be dearly missed.

A graveside service for Les will be held on Saturday, December 28^th at 2pm at the New Osawatomie Cemetery located at intersection of Osawatomie Road and W 327^th Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in memory of Les be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s fund:  https://curealz.org/