Charles Besson Stanley, 91, of Columbia City, died at 9:15 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2015, at his home.

He was born Dec. 2, 1923, in Dunfee, Allen County, a son of Roy Cuppy and Ruth H. (Besson) Stanley. His formative years were spent in Allen, Noble and Whitley Counties. He graduated from Washington Center High School.

On July 11, 1941 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged Sept. 24, 1945.

On Sept. 6, 1952 he was united in marriage to Elaine Marie Spoerke. They made their home at Little Cedar Lake until 1955 when they moved to a farm in Columbia Township until November 2010 when they moved to Oak Pointe. Mrs. Stanley died Jan. 28, 2011.

A sheep and grain farmer, he was also employed at C.W. Schrader and Sons Chrysler Dealer and then the Columbia City Post Office as a mail carrier until his retirement in December 1985.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Surviving relatives include four children: Rae (Leonard) Walker, Lynn (Cheryl L.) Stanley; and Cheryl R. Stanley, all of Columbia City; and Lee (Vickie) Stanley, Osceola; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers: Jack Stanley, Middlebury; James “Butch” Stanley, Delta, Ohio; and William Stanley, Fort Wayne; and two sisters: Margaret Richard, South Whitley; and Charlotte Turnbow, Churubusco.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Hanauer and Joan Mitchell; a brother, Robert Stanley; and a half sister, Helen Reddy.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10,  at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 p.m.  to 4 p.m.  and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9,  at the funeral home.

The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery with military honors presented.

Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice.