Leslie Bernard Stanton Jr.

He was born in Gadsden, Alabama on June 16th, 1937. The family moved around, eventually settling Tarrant, Alabama where he graduated high school in 1955. After graduation Les (“Bernie”) enlisted in the Navy, where he served for four years on the ship U.S.S. Toledo.

After he left the service in 1959, he settled in Southern California, getting married and working at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. While working full-time there he earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and a master’s degree in education from California State University Long Beach. In 1978 he transferred to Seattle to work as a weapons surveyor for Supship Repair with the Department of Defense. His government career lasted 37 years before he retired in 1993.

After retirement Les took a few part-time jobs, as security for a gated community and five years as a bus driver for Metro Transit. In 2008 he married his longtime companion Doris Murphy Ehle. Les was proud of his background in Alabama and the Navy. He was a joiner of many organizations, including the Tarrant High School reunion, Masons, Shriners, Order of Eastern Star, VFW Post 2995, American Legion, Elks, Eagles, USS Toledo Association, Heavy Cruiser Assoc., Orange County Astronomers, NRA, WIHSKI club, College Club of Seattle, MENSA, Intertel, Ham Radio Club, and many sub-organizations within these clubs. He lived an active life, and enjoyed snow skiing, biking, star gazing, target shooting, golfing, sailing, and traveling. Les volunteered many hours with several organizations he cared about, including the Forgotten Children, Shriner Hospitals, and Elks club.

Les is survived by his wife Doris, his daughters Susan Stanton, Carol Stanton, Janet Stanton, son-in-laws Bob Fischer and Bruce Richardson, his sisters Louise Gerontakis and Anna McChesney, sister-in-law Mimmi Stanton, sisters- and brothers-in-law Kathie and Jim Cummings, Norah Murphy, Steve and Beckie Tonkin Kilburg, brothers-in-law Jim Knisely, Pete Gerontakis, David McChesney, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Al Stanton.

A memorial service for Les will be held at the Shrine Nile Club in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, at 1 p.m. Friday May 7. Graveside services and interment will be May 30, 1 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.