Milton D. Handley

Milton D. Handley passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2014 after a brief illness during which he was surrounded by family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nada Handley; his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Handley; his brother Forrest Handley and sister Ada Lucille Bice. Survived by his children James Handley (Diane), Carol Shively (Ken), Pamela Lonero, Helen Handley; grandchildren: Heather Withers (Tim), Andrew Lonero (Jennifer),

Robert Handley, Breanna Lonero, Greg Handley, Stuart Handley, Kristen Rapin; great grandson Andrew Withers; sisters Chrystal Richards and Carolyn Cox. Other family members including Rita Crabtree, Pearl "Pat" Crabtree, Larry Dibble, nieces, nephews, and many friends and extended family.

Born in Oakdale, CA in 1930, Milton was raised in a ranching family in Oakdale, Los Banos, and the Salinas Valley. He later attended Upper Lake High School in Mendocino County where he played football and participated in many other school activities. It was while attending Upper Lake High School that he met and later married the love of his life Dorothy. They were married for 58 years.

After graduation, Milton's firstcareer began in the U.S. Army and spanned over 23 years. He served our country in Korea, Vietnam, and many other duty stations throughout the U.S. and Europe. His time spent in service while in Germany was a most enjoyable and memorable time for the family. He received many meritorious service medals and awards during his military career including the Bronze Star. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1971. After retirement from the military, Milton relocated his family to Stockton, CA, where he studied and earned a teaching and administration credential in education. This second career began as a teacher at Holt Union Elementary School. He truly enjoyed teaching, coaching sports and mentoring all of the students who in addition to the staff became part of his extended family. His career at Holt School spanned over 30 years. Milton loved spending time with his family and friends and throughout his life enjoyed all sporting events, fishing, camping, traveling, reading, music and cooking. He learned to quilt (3) at age 80 after many years of watching his wife, daughters and nieces quilt. He always looked at the bright side of life and with his positive outlook was able to uplift others with words of encouragement. He will be greatly missed by many, but never forgotten as his kind heart, and loving spirit lives on in each of the countless lives he touched. Milton was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Stockton.

Private burial was held Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to: St Joseph's Foundation - Cancer Center, P.O. Box 213008, Stockton, CA 95213 or online donations can be made at www.stjosephscares.org/foundation; Delta Humane Society and SPCA, P.O. Box 30908, Stockton, CA 95213 or online: