Lee Stanton, 84

Lee Stanton, 84, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, lost his courageous battle with heart and kidney failure on Nov. 27, 2021. A loving father, father-in-law, Papa, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend to all. Lee was born to Roy and Crystal Stanton on Sept. 22, 1937. He was raised in Spokane, Wash., and attended Grant Elementary and Lewis & Clark High School.

Lee met Caroline Mobley in Willows, Calif., and were married in Reno, Nev., in 1956. Lee enlisted in the National Guard shortly after their marriage. He was decorated as a sharpshooter and received an honorable discharge after his four years of service. Lee and Caroline had three girls — Debbie, Barbi and LeAnn, as well as many other adopted children.

Lee worked many years as a sales representative in the trucking industry. In 1980 he pursued his dream of owning his own bar. Lee and Caroline owned the Linger Longer Lounge in Spirit Lake for 25 years. During this time, he became quite the icon in the small town. He hosted the Annual Salmon Feed for many years, in which he donated all proceeds to the local food bank. They also ran golf tournaments that raised money for whoever was in need at the time — whether it be a family, sports team, or new restroom in the City Park. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they opened the Linger Longer to anyone who didn’t have a warm place to share a hot, home-cooked meal.

Lee’s love for Spirit Lake was second to none. He could teach anyone to waterski and was instrumental in pulling 13 kids behind his beloved boat, the Champagne Lady. He was an avid slalom skier who could touch his shoulder to water. He taught each of his girls to ski at age 5 with the carrot of earning $5 when they got up! “Opah” loved taking his great-grandkids on golf cart rides around the resorts, stopping to say hello to everyone he passed. He also loved going on adventures in his motor home with his furry, faithful companion, Bud Dog, by his side. He especially enjoyed the trips to visit his friends, Mike and Jana Harvey, in Yuma, Ariz.

His love for country music was surpassed by no one! Lee was one of the best karaoke singers around. On his last day, he shared precious time with his three girls singing Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline.

Lee’s love for his three girls and their families was absolutely priceless. He finished every night with a call from each one of his daughters. He was a very proud Papa!!

Lee is survived by his daughters: Debbie Schirman (Greg), Barbi Reisenauer (Dennis), and LeAnn Sullivan (Kent). Grandchildren: Sarah Mahoney (Brian), Casi Lupinacci (Vinny), Cody Reisenauer (Cammy), BreAnna Sullivan (Eric), and Josiah Sullivan (Lacey); and 11 great-grandchildren. Brothers Mel Stanton (Dixie), Gene Gomes; sisters Kathy Staley, Peggy Wilkes and Pam Reed; sister-in-law, Joyce Bond; cousin Bob Stanton (Gail); nephew, Michael McKay; nieces, Sharon Shab, Liz Poulson, Jill Stanton, Laurie Stanton, Stephanie Webb and Michelle Daniel; and numerous great- and grandnieces and nephews.

Lee was proceeded in death by his grandmother, Blanche Boggs; father, Roy Stanton; mother, Crystal Gomes; sister, Karen Shuck; brothers-in-law, Daryl Bond and Sonny Mobley; and niece, Marilyn Miller.

A celebration of life for Lee will is scheduled July 16 in Spirit Lake at the Reisenauer Compound. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have donations made to the Spirit Lake Property Owners Associate for the Weir/Dam Fund in honor of Lee Stanton.