Leslie Earl Stansbery

The Rev. Dr. Leslie E. Stansbery passed away February 29, 2020 in Columbus, OH. He was born on a farm in Ft. Madison, IA to the late Cyrus Stansbery and Mabel Haffner in 1932. He attended the University of Denver and later attended the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He met the love of his life Margaret "Peg" in Tarrytown, New York. In 1957 he and Peg, attended the Ecumenical Institute in Geneva. When they returned, Leslie served as an Army Chaplain at Ft. Devens, MA, his military career spanned 35 years, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1961, Les moved to Columbus to serve as pastor at Old First Presbyterian Church. He was part of a group that heavily believed in a faith based community; he created many organizations to help spread the work they were doing. Leslie participated in the freedom riders movement, civil rights and antiwar movements. It was very important his children went to Columbus City Schools; he wanted them invested in the community. He earned his PhD in International Relations from OSU and received many recognitions from the City of Columbus. Leslie was a founding leader and president of the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, a UNICEF Executive Director, member of the Metropolitan Church Board, Columbus Campaign for Arms Control, worked in the beginning stages of B.R.E.A.D., a proud member of the Eastmoor HS Booster Association and a Member in Good Standing at Scioto Valley Presbytery. As busy as Leslie was he always made time for his family. He was a great father and doting grandfather. He will be missed by sons Mark Dietrich (Yoshie), Paul Andrew and Todd Peter (Nancy) Stansbery; and a daughter Joy Kristine (Mike Cummings) Sickles. Family would like to thank the Van Heyde neighbors and community for taking care of Leslie and Peg.

His family invites those who wish to celebrate his life to remember him on Saturday March 7, 2020 from 2:30 pm until time of service at 3pm at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church 1450 E Dublin Granville Road Columbus OH 43229. Reception to follow.