Donald LeClair Stanton went home to be with the Lord on June 27, 2015, at Comforcare in Austin, Minnesota.

Don was born on June 10, 1918, to Clead and Fannie (Houseman) Stanton in Rose Creek, Minnesota. He grew up on farms in Rose Creek and London and attended country schools. He also attended a sheet-metal school in Iowa. Don married Olga Andersen on Oct. 1, 1941, in Austin. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until her passing in 2007. During WWII, they lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and in Omaha, Nebraska, where Don worked in the aircraft factories. Their two children, Dale and Sharon, were born in Omaha. After the war, they returned to Austin where Don first began working in a Standard station on Main Street. In 1952, the family moved to Lyle, Minnesota, and purchased a station, Don’s Standard, where he worked for the next 25 years. Don was a hard worker and enjoyed being a mechanic, as well as making service calls with his wrecker. During those years, he was a member of the Lyle Volunteer Fire Department and the Commercial Club.

In 1977, Don and Olga retired to Austin where they spent 30 years enjoying their home and their Woodhaven neighbors. Don was happiest working in his garage, helping others, and doing yard and garden work. Following Olga’s passing in 2007, Don moved to the Courtyard Apartments where he resided for seven years. Don was a wonderful dad and grandpa and many happy memories were made when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came for a visit with games of horseshoe and projects to work on together. Don had a keen sense of humor, and family times always included games and laughter. He was a long-time member of Crane Community Church. He loved the Lord and daily read the scriptures.

Don is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Sharon (Ron) Phillips of Yakima, Washington; daughter-in-law, Celine Stanton of Roseville, Minnesota; grandchildren: Heidi (David) Riechel of John’s Creek, Georgia, Eric (Sara) Phillips of Elk Grove, California, Heath (Stephanie) Stanton of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Scott (Suzanne) Phillips of Kent, Washington; six great-grandchildren: Stephen and Caroline Riechel, Drew and Mia Phillips, Sophia Phillips, and Ely Stanton; brothers: Gerald (Gretchen) Stanton of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Norman (Susan) Stanton of Hartsdale, New York.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga; and son, Dale; parents, Clead and Fannie Stanton; sisters: Holly Young and Lois Hunting; and brothers: Glen, Dale, Wayne, Naurice and Loren Stanton.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Crane Community Church with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the London Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Crane Community Church, Comforcare or the donor’s choice.