Jesse E. "Ed" Stanley

Jesse E. "Ed" Stanley, 80, of Indianapolis, passed away on March 7, 2026. Born on May 23, 1945, in Jellico, Tennessee, to the late Toy Arthur and Opal Cleo (Hatfield) Stanley, Ed graduated from Mooresville High School before serving his country as a radarman in the United States Navy aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Kearsarge, during the Vietnam War. He went on to enjoy a long career as a technician with AT&T, retiring in 2003 after 35 years of service.

A lifelong learner with a curious mind, Ed took pleasure in discovering new words, reading, and exploring his family’s genealogy. He read the newspaper faithfully, rarely skipping the obituaries, and found quiet satisfaction in tending his garden—particularly his beloved tomatoes—and taking peaceful walks.

Preceded in death by his parents and brothers Hubert James Stanley and Billie Ray Stanley, Ed is survived by his children, Brian (Chasity) Stanley, Kevin (Andrea) Stanley, Kimberly (Scott) Brooks, Cara (Billy) Munger, Steven (Joni) Stanley, Aaron (Abigail) Stanley, Jonathan (Sarah) Stanley, and Cori Stanley; his siblings Jerry (Shirley) Stanley, Alvin (Cheryl) Stanley, and Susie Stanley (Don Rector); 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.