John C. Stabler, Sr.

Age 92, John C. Stabler, Sr., passed away February 11, 2012. Born January 13, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of John C. and Anna E. Stabler.

He was a WWII veteran and served in the Michigan Army National Guard for 30 years, retiring in 1973 with the rank of Lt. Col. He was a past president of the National Guard Association of Michigan. He was a member of the Lansing City Council for two 2-year terms 1953-1956. During this period, he was also a member of the Ingham County Board of Supervisors. Subsequent to the period he served on the Lansing Public Service Committee for two 3-year terms. He was a member of Lansing Masonic Lodge #66 F.& A.M., a member of Grand Rapids Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons, Lansing Commandery #25 Knights Templar, Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple, Capital Caravan Shriners Club, John S. Bersey Sojourners Chapter, a past president of the Lansing Masonic High 12 International Club. He was a past Adjutant of American Legion Post 12, a past Commander of the Military Order of Foreign Wars and past Chairman of Ingham County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Committee. His hobbies were camping with his wife in their RV trailer and traveling, square dancing with The Happy Hoe Downers Square Dance Club of which he was a past president, and volunteering as a Red Cross representative for several years in assisting servicemen and their families in need.

He is survived by 3 children, Sandra (Phil) Crockett, John C. Stabler, Jr., Vicki (Ken) Schnepp, 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy, his parents and a sister Ethyl.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2901 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. Inurnment of John and Dorothy’s ashes will take place in the spring at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mayflower Congregational Church or Great Lakes Caring Hospice.  The family would like to thank Sterling House staff; Tessie, Janelle, Lisa, Laura, Lance, and Randy for their loving care.

Nathan meeting his Great Grandfather

My heart goes out to my mother-in-law, Sandy during a difficult time.  You and Vicki are in our thoughts.  We love you, Nana/Sandy/Mom!

sbc