Stanley Jeffries

Stanley Jeffries

HARTFORD CITY, IN—

   Stanley Jeffries, long-time jeweler and watch maker in Hartford City, died at the University Park Rehabilitation Center in Ft. Wayne, Friday, December 10, 2021.  He was born in Pulaski County, MO, June 4, 1925, the sixth child of William Zebedee and Nellie Jane (McCoy) Jeffries.

   After the death of his father, the family moved to Blackford County in 1940, where Stanley graduated from Montpelier High School in 1943.  He was baptized and made his profession of faith at First United Brethren Church, which is now Trinity United Methodist in Hartford City, where he served many positions and sang in the choir.

   He served in the US Naval Reserve in both WWII and the Korean Conflict.  Between his two tours of duty, he graduated from the Cunningham School of Horology in Corydon, IN. He was introduced to Doris Sutton on a blind date.  They married November 30, 1947.  To this union came four children:  Karen Sue, Bruce Wayne, Beth Ann, and Kimberly Jo.

   He opened Jeffries Jewelry and Gifts in 1952, in Eaton; that store was closed in 1972.  In 1961 Stanley took over the watch repair department at the Hartley’s Jewelry Store in Hartford City.  He and Robert Ireland bought that store in 1969.  He became sole proprietor in 1974 and kept the store open until 2011.  Until the last year and a half of his life, he was a regular at the Hartford City Senior Center, where he was an avid euchre and dominoes player.  Stan was a 75-year member of Lions International.

   On October 24, 2013 Stanley participated Honor Flight of NE Indiana.  An experience offered to veterans of wars past, that Stan cherished the rest of his life.

   Stanley Jeffries was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Doris, and daughter Beth; parents Zeb and Nellie Jeffries, his siblings: Thelma, Raymond, Ralph, Vertress Morgan, Warren, Lowell and Leo; six nieces and nephews and several cousins.

   He is survived by three children:  Karen Wigmore of Ft. Wayne, Bruce (Peggy) Jeffries of Columbia, MO and Kimberly (Chris) Schwarzkopf of Geneseo, Il.  Five grandchildren:  Ryan (Tina) Wigmore, Lindsey Wigmore, Nathan (Amy) Jeffries, Micah (Caryn) Jeffries and Chelsea (Evan) Sammons; five great-grandchildren:  Cooper, Layla, Logan and Luella Wigmore, and Lucas Jeffries.  He also is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

   Military graveside rites will be rendered at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Hartford City Cemetery, on State Road 26 at the East edge of Hartford City. Rites to be rendered by the United States Navy and the Delaware County Veterans Organization, with interment following.

   Services celebrating the life of Stanley Jeffries will follow military rites, at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30th in the Trinity United Methodist Church 303 N. Walnut St., Hartford City.

   Memorials may be directed to the Hartford City Senior Citizens Center or any Christian Radio station of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com

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