Roy Odell Stanley

Roy Odell Stanley Sr., 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at home following a valiant battle with dementia. Roy was born in Merced, CA on September 20, 1946 to Floyd Odell and Anna Lee Stanley. He was raised in the small farming community of Planada, CA where he also attended grade school. He graduated from Le Grand High School in June of 1964. He then went to Merced Community College and later transferred to Fresno State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree.

He returned to Planada in 1969 where he was hired by the Planada School District and continued to teach for 35 years until his retirement in June, 2004. In his final years he taught mathematics at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School. In his retirement years Roy enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as spending time at the gym, and taking walks down the bike paths near his home. He was actively involved with his granddaughters’ schooling and extracurricular activities and spent much time in transporting the girls to their functions in his white pick-up truck listening and singing along with the girls to John Denver’s best hit songs.

Roy was preceded in death by both his parents. Roy leaves behind a wife of 46 years, Margaret, his son, Brian, his son Roy Jr. and his wife Cher, all of Merced, CA, and a daughter, Jennifer Meher and her husband Delbert, of New Port Richey, FL. He also leaves behind three granddaughters, Katherine M. Stanley, Morgan J. Stanley and Brynne T. Meher. He made the effort to be a mentor for his children, his grandchildren and his students in his classes. He demanded respect and set high standards and always led by example.

Visitation hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our Lady of Mercy Church located at 459 W. 21st Street in Merced on Thursday, September 3, 2015. A Vigil Service with Rosary will follow immediately after visitation at 6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 4th at Our Lady of Mercy Church at 10:00 a.m. Blessing of the graveside will held at Plainsburg Cemetery located at 8943 Gillette Road, Merced, CA.

In lieu of flowers donate to Community Hospice of Modesto, 1705 Crows Landing Rd, Modesto, CA. Services under direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.