Stephen Everett Stanley

March 25, 1943 - April 20, 2018

Stephen E. Stanley, 75, of Mishawaka passed away at 7:00 pm Friday, April 20, 2018 at his home with his wife of almost 49 years, Judy, by his side. He was born March 25, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio to Everett and Margene (Triggs) Stanley. Steve was raised in Dayton by his mother and step-father, Edward Wheeler, both of whom preceded him in death, after Steve's father was killed in action in World War II.

In May 1969 Steve married Judy Lynne McAfee, whom he met in class at Ohio State University in 1966. She survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer (m. Aaron LaCluyze) of Lansing, Michigan

Steve attended The Ohio State University, majoring in music education. He worked summers at Dayton State Hospital, then directed high school band from 1966-67 at Franklin High School in Franklin, Ohio. Deciding this was not his career path, Steve returned to Ohio State and changed his major to business, in which he earned his bachelor's degree. Steve spent most of his working career in quality assurance, beginning as an inspector at Chrysler in Dayton. He moved to the AM General plant in Mishawaka in the mid-1970s, when that plant was producing city transit buses. Steve then worked in Lima, Ohio for Sheller-Globe Corporation's facility producing school buses and hearses. In 1981 Steve returned to northern Indiana to take a position at the Miles Laboratories (later Bayer Corporation) diagnostics division plant in Mishawaka. He ultimately retired from Bayer as manager of quality systems for the Bayer diagnostics group.

Steve had many varied interests, including remaining involved in music throughout his life. As a child, he was a member of the Dayton Rotary Boys Choir and shot archery with his stepfather, including at NAA Nationals. In high school Steve was a member of the Fairview High School (Dayton) marching band and other groups, including orchestra, dance band, and school musical productions. Steve was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band (The Best Damn Band in the Land), C-Row, 1963 and 1964. He was also involved with other bands while at Ohio State, and he and Judy were active members of the Ohio State Sports Car Club. In the late 1960s Steve was a licensed private pilot.

Steve was involved with his homeowners associations, eventually serving as president of the Blair Hills Community Association. In 1984 he learned to play the bagpipes and was a member of the Thistle and Heather Pipe Band of South Bend through the late 1980s. Steve sang in the Presbyterian Players Madrigal group for several years and performed in Osceola Community Players and South Bend Civic Theatre productions. Steve's most recent musical project, ongoing at the time of his death, was learning to play the ukulele. Steve, his family, and friends spent many enjoyable summer evenings on the hill at Firefly Festival, sharing friendship, culture, and good food and drink.

Throughout his life Steve enjoyed traveling. He and Judy bought a VW camper in 1970, thereafter spending much time camping. They restored the camper in the early 2000s and continued camping, as well as winning several awards at VW shows. They visited the Caribbean many times, with Steve enjoying SCUBA diving after being certified in 1990. They also spent time cruising, including many Caribbean cruises and several European and transatlantic cruises.

As per Steve's wishes, cremation will take place, and there will be no services. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Steve may be donated to the charity of your choice or to The Ohio State University Foundation with OSU Marching Band Scholarships - 647698 notated on the memo line. Please mail to the OSU Foundation, 1480 Lane Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210.

Published in South Bend Tribune on April. 24, 2018

Steve was a member of the marching band in 1963 and 1964. He played alto horn in C-Row.