Ernest Leroy Staley died at home on April 21, 2002 in Salt Lake City, where he had resided since 1949.

Born November 23, 1920, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Frank Staley and Katherine Petry Staley. He married Rita Betty Clemens in Redwood, California, June 13, 1949.

He is survived by wife, Rita; son, Lee Clemens Staley; and daughter-in-law, Jan, in Anaheim Hills California; daughters, Kitty Kmetzsch and son-in-law, Dale, and Margaret Price Whitney and son-in-law, Brent; six grandchildren; and three great-grand-children.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the Pacific Theater with the 100th Air Service in the battles and campaigns of New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon, and Ryukus. He received numerous decorations and citations.

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Mr. Staley attended the Salt Lake Area Vocation School and graduated in diesel mechanics.

He was employed by several construction companies and Zions First National Bank.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shiner, and a member of the El Kalah Mounted Patrol.

A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E. Creek Road, (8150 S.) Sandy, 11:00 a.m. Thursday. A viewing will be held at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.), Salt Lake from 6-8 p.m. with a vigil at 7:30 p.m. Interment Mt. View Memorial Estates.

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