Owen Lee Stanley, of London, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by his family at Doctors West Hospital. Lee received Christ as his personal Savior when he was a young man and attended the Christiansburg Church of Christ in Christian Union before he was called into the ministry.

Born on August 27, 1947, in Lawrence County, Ohio, he was the son of Freda Lou (Wilson) Stanley and the late Owen M. Stanley. Lee was a 1965 graduate of Graham Local Schools in St. Paris, Ohio. After graduation he honorably served his country in the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War. A highly decorated veteran, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Overseas Service Bar, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was also an accomplished marksman with the M-14 and M-16 rifles and served as a 2nd Class Gunner on the M-60 while stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 3rd Infantry.

Following his military service, Lee attended Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University), graduating in 1973 where he earned his Bachelor of Sacred Literature. This marked the beginning of a faithful and impactful ministry spanning 53 years. He served congregations in Evansville, Indiana, Bellefontaine, Ohio, and faithfully pastored the London Church of Christ in Christian Union for 36 years. Lee loved serving the London church congregation deeply. While serving in the pastoral ministry at Bellefontaine, Lee worked as a skilled welder at Carter Steel. Lee had a deep love for agriculture, finding great joy farming alongside his brother, Gary.

Lee was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known as a “handyman” who could fix just about anything. While he enjoyed collecting tools, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathryn M. (Bowman) Stanley; his daughters, Julie (Brad) Aleshire and Jennifer (David) West, both of London; and his mother, Freda Lou Stanley of St. Paris. He was a cherished grandfather to Brooke (Jon) Massey, Kaylee (Skyler) Jacobs, David (Alissa) West, Brice West, Megan West, and Abby West; and a proud great-grandfather to David West III, with three more great-grandsons expected in the coming weeks.

He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Dianna) Stanley of Springfield; his sister, Donna (Virgil) Leeth of Urbana; and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by his brother- and sisters-in-law: Lois (Mark) Taylor, Connie Bowman, Karen Tomlin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Owen M. Stanley.

Service Information: Visitation will be held Friday, March 27, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the London Church of Christ in Christian Union, 180 West Center Street, London, Ohio 43140. Funeral services will take place in the church on Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Paint Township Cemetery, London, Ohio.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Church of Christ in Christian Union, 180 West Center Street, London, OH 43140.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140 where online condolences may be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.