Ira A. Carley's Obituary
IRA A. CARLEY, 85 LAKELAND - Ira A. Carley passed away June 11th, 2015, at Good Shepherd Hospice, Lakeland. Born June 17, 1929, at home in Ingalls, Michigan, to Ira Edward and Flora Radue Carley. Ira was one of seven children - that must be where his devotion to and enjoyment of family life originated. He served in the Army during the Korean War, then married Lila Wheaton of Galesburg. He often remarked proposing to Lila was the best decision of his life! Ira earned a degree in Horticulture from Michigan State, and worked for the Farmington School system. Lured to Lakeland in 1969 by the year round sunshine, he worked for the City of Lakeland and Cement Products. Ira is survived by his wife of 62 years Lila, daughter Alice Sargeant (Ralph G.) and son Ed Carley (Tracie), along with one sister, Gerry McCully of Alden, MI, plus grand and great-grandchildren. A kind and generous man, Ira will be missed by many. His tall shoulders gave children a better view of the world and were comforting shoulders for those in need. Baseball and golf were passions, but so too was education. As an Elk member of 23 years, Ira enthusiastically raised scholarships for high school seniors. Ira will be celebrated with a memorial at the Lakeland Elks Lodge June 27th, 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lakeland Elks Lodge 1291 Scholarship Fund or Good Shepherd Hospice are appreciated.
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