Stanley F. Sanford

Stanley Frederic Sanford passed away February 10, 2019, peacefully at home surrounded by his family. 

Stan was born the 28th of October 1925 to Fred and Emma Sanford.  He grew up in Shelby and enjoyed being a member of FFA in high school.  Stan bravely fought as a marine in the Battle of Okinawa and later the cleanup in China.  When Stan returned home, he attended Michigan State University.  He then was employed by Continental in Muskegon and met his wife, Marion Popp.  They were married and had five children.  The family were active members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. 

Stan worked at DuPont Chemical in Montague for 31 years.  He served as an officer in the Arrowhead Division of the Boy Scouts.  Stan also served on the Shelby Public Schools Board of Education for eight years.  In between all this he also owned cherry and apple orchards with this brother, Bob.  The family has good memories of picking the fruit.  One of his great loves was fishing on his boat on Lake Michigan and also when in Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico.  He also enjoyed golfing in a league at Benona Shores with his friends. 

Stan was preceded in death by his father, Fred Sanford, mother, Emma Sanford, brother, Bob Sanford and sister-in-law, Evelyn Sanford.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marion Popp Sanford; children, Fred and Kathy (Hildreth) Sanford, Stan Sanford, Sue Sanford, Bob and Mary (Sanford) Beckman, Tim and Patty (Sanford) Cary; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stan was blessed to have his granddaughter, Megan Beckman, show him so much love and support as well as her medical expertise during his cancer battle.  The comfort she brought him and the entire family was immeasurable.  The family is blessed that he was with us for so long.  He will be missed forever and always.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 13th, 5-7 pm with the Rosary being recited at 7 pm at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.  Visitation will also be held Thursday, February 14th beginning at 10 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Shelby with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11 am at the church with Father Phillip Sliwinski as Celebrant.  Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in the Spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Crystal Valley Care Fund or Oceana Goodfellows (Old Newsboys).

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