Stanford Neary

Stanford E. Neary, age 86, of Scranton, passed away on April 21 at his home in Scranton surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 13, 1927 in Morton Mills, Iowa, he was the son of Russell A. and Eva V. (Ashbaugh) Neary.  Stan’s family moved to Scranton when he was in the 5th grade.  It was there he meet his childhood sweetheart and soul mate Margaret Fey.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and following his service Stan and Margaret were married on April 12, 1947 by Rev. E.L. Stone on the Fey family farm.  They lived in Iowa Falls for a short time before making their home in Scranton.  Stan was an insurance agent with his father at Neary Insurance Agency for many years.  In later years he sold cars at Finch Chevrolet in Jefferson, worked at Scranton Manufacturing, and drove school bus for Scranton Consolidated Schools.  He was a member of the Scranton United Methodist Church, the Scranton VFW, and the Lion’s Club.  Stan was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed hunting, dancing, and spending time with his family.

Stan is survived by two daughters: Stephanie Goughnour and her husband Brian of Pine River, Minnesota, and Melanie Hoyt and her husband Gary of Ogden; three sons: David Neary and his wife Sheryl of Monticello, Georgia, Brock Neary of Scranton, and Jeffrey Neary and his wife Kathy Merrill, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.  Stan was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Betty Jean, and his wife Margaret in 2004.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on April 24 at the Scranton United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Gunderson officiating.  Friends may call at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on April 23.  The casket will be moved to the church at 8:30 a.m. on April 24 where visitation will resume until the time of service.  Organist for the service will be Cheryl Nailor.  Casket bearers will be Stan’s Grandchildren.  Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Iowa Army National Guard.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for Stan’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com  712-792-3561.