Lewis Erdman Staley

Lewis Erdman Staley, was born, he lived, he loved, and he died. Enough said.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion, Iowa. A private family burial will be held at Dunkard Cemetery in Toddville, Iowa. Please, no flowers or memorials. Let the only memorial be your memory of Lewis and his wife, Leta Mae.

But Leta Mae, who liked family genealogy, insists on the following: Lewis was born April 9, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, the first child of Chris and Hazel (Ingham) Staley. He married Leta Mae Bristol on December 29, 1956, at her parents' rural farm home. She is the second daughter of Clifford and Maude (Taylor) Bristol.

From his teenage years through retirement, Lewis worked for Hamady groceries and GM's AC in Flint, MI, Westinghouse Electric in Pittsburgh, PA, and retired after 27 years with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA. In late 1966, the family moved from PA to outside of Marion, IA, to enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life and raise their free-range children.

Leta Mae and Lewis have enjoyed many long motorcycle camping trips, getting to all 48 contiguous United States and 11 provinces of Canada. They have Square Danced for over 35 years. They have also visited several foreign nations on bank-sponsored tours and cruises.

Lewis is survived by his children: Jeff (Karen), Jules (Tracey), Jansen (Janet), Jill (Clark) Havran, Joelsen (Michele); 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jim; and sister-in-law, Deanna.

Lewis was preceded in death by his darling wife Leta Mae; his parents; a brother, Earl; and a sister-in-law, Nancy.

For my final two cents' worth, I state that Leta Mae has my eternal love.