Stanford Harrison Lamay, Sr.

Standford Harrison LaMay, Sr. was born October 4,1931 in St. Joseph Missouri, the son of Robert LaMay Sr. and Marjorie Gains.

Mr. LaMay was a major player in the shoe game in Des Moines. He learned to shine shoes at the age of 12 and perfected his craft by working at the old Strand Shoe Repair Shop. He serviced customers in numerous locations including his shop on East Euclid for close to 30 years. He took a break during World War II while he served in Korea as a Demolition Specialist in the US Army. Once home he worked as a meat packer and butcher. He retired from the VA hospital as a maintenance supervisor. Stanford has worked two jobs most of his life. He loved to take care of his wife and children.

Once Stan retired, he returned to shining shoes. He created his own business called “Stan and Son” where he partnered with his grandson, Chivonne Newman. Even at 90 years old Stanford did not plan to stop repairing and shining shoes. While in the hospital, right before his recent surgery, he told one of his grandsons he found a new location for his shoe shop.

During Stanfords younger years he was a football player. He enjoyed watching his son, Stanford Jr., play football as well. Stan loved taking his son and first grandson to wrestling meets. He included his daughters and their friends by having them participate in wrestling meets held in their living room. Stanford often entertained his older brother, brother in laws, and friends in his backyard as they enjoyed talking, laughing, and grilling. As Stan got older, watching basketball became one of his favorite hobbies. Stanford was very social, entertaining, and outgoing.

Mr. LaMay is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Pamela, Gloria, Sharon and Stanford Jr; his siblings, Maurice LaMay and Rose Harper, 14 grandchildren, an abundance of great grandchildren, other extended family, friends, and a host of customers who will miss him. He has joined his mother and father; and his siblings, Marietta Clayton and Robert LaMay who preceded him in death.

*Masks are required for all attendees. Social Distancing will strongly be encouraged.



*This service will be made available via Facebook Live on the Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home's Facebook page (@hendersonsfuneralhome) on Thursday, December 30, 2021 beginning at 12pm. Please "Like" or "Follow" our page for access.Visitation









Wednesday, December 29, 2021

6:00 - 8:00pm









Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

Interment









Thursday, December 30, 2021

Starts at 2:00pm









Iowa Veteran's Cemetery

Homegoing Celebration









Thursday, December 30, 2021

Starts at 11:30pm









Revival Center Church of God In Christ