Leslie "Les" F. Staley's Obituary
Leslie “Les” Frederick Staley, 79, passed away in Lakeland on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Les was born in Los Angeles, California to parents Victor and Frances (Swetnam) Staley on January 7, 1945. He grew up in Greybull, Wyoming, graduating from high school there in 1963. Les met and began dating Colleen Jones in high school, and the two were married a year after graduating, on May 9, 1964. A few months prior that same year, Les enlisted in the US Navy and served from February 1964 to December 1967. During these years, he completed two tours in Vietnam.
Les was as a regional manager for Baker Hughes. He was a dedicated employee for 35 years before retiring in 2006. Shortly after retirement, Les and Colleen moved to Lakeland and settled into their new home in the Huntington Hills community. Les and Colleen grew very close with their Huntington Hills community and made many dear friends there. He spent nearly 20 years golfing at the community. Even as recently as this year, his son Scott said his Dad could still beat him at a round of golf.
Les also had a love for travel, and he and Colleen were blessed to have had the opportunity to see the world. They lived in Russia from 1994-1996, and in 2019, they were fortunate to experience the once in a lifetime opportunity of a Grand Canyon Mule Ride, where they rode down the Grand Canyon and camped for two nights in Phantom Ranch. Even having traveled the world and seeing many places, Wyoming will always have a special place in Les's heart.
Perhaps most of all, Les enjoyed being beloved “Bear Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were his entire world. He was an incredibly loving and very protective Bear Papa.
Les is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Frances Staley, brothers Eugene and Victor Staley, and sister Janice Staley.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Colleen Staley; children Cheri Lowe and Scott Staley (Elka); sister Joyce Hanson of Dickinson, ND; brother Richard Staley of Sandusky, OH; grandchildren Tyler Lowe and McCall Masson (Louis); and great grandchildren Payten, Bella, Sawyer, and Ryder.
Les was a wonderful husband, father, and Bear Papa. He will be forever remembered and missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations made in memory of Les to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/.
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