John Henry Stanley

At approximately 1 p.m. Monday, May 17th, John Stanley rolled back the top on his ’67 Mustang and drove into paradise. He would engage anyone in conversation. He loved to share his philosophies and pontificate on the virtues of Purdue basketball. He would always jump at the opportunity to do anything involving his grandchildren.

John was born on November 22, 1935 in Carthage, Indiana. He later moved to Salem, Indiana, where he spent the majority of his life. He had an entrepreneurial spirit. He was the owner and operator of a feed mill throughout the 70’s before turning to insurance as a career. In 1983 John founded Reliable Benefit Plans, which he owned until merging with Neace Lukens in 1999. He finished his career there in 2003. During his retirement, he could be found at the Saturday car shows around the square, the Sunday services at the Presbyterian church, or any given morning at Arbys, spicing up his coffee by sharing tales with his buddies.

John spent his final days enjoying the sunshine, listening to Reba McIntyre and was surrounded by his family. His passing was peaceful. His parents Roy and Lillian and brother Bob preceded him in death. John is survived by his wife, Betty, his sister Reta Mundell, his children Kim, Susan (Wendell), Jeff, Joel (Debbie) and John (Elizabeth) and his grandchildren, Nick, Seth, Amy, Ella and Audrey.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM Saturday, May 22 at Weathers Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9AM-until time of service.

Contributions can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Humane Society of Washington County, 204 Joseph St. Salem, IN 47167.