Born September 8, 1939, to Edward Sr and Florence, Len was the oldest of four brothers. In high school, he was a jockey at local horse racetracks. He had a contract with a stable in Chicago to ride on the large tracks, but a growth spurt after graduation prevented him from pursuing that path. He joined the Navy in May 1959 and served until June 1963. After being discharged, Len worked for Alcoa and Miller Container until he was hired at Eagle Foods in Milan, IL, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2001.
He married Sandra Frye on December 4, 1969. He married Cyndi Carlson on May 18th, 1991.
Len coached in the Milan Little League for 27 years, sharing his passion for the game with generations of aspiring major leaguers. One of Len’s all-star teams got within one game of going to Williamsport for the Little League World Series. Len also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Blackhawk Fire Department for 35 years. He was proud to serve the community. He also competed in dog shows with his Miniature Schnauzer, Snuffy, attaining a CDX title and high scores.
Len lived an active lifestyle after retirement. He was an avid golfer, participating in the Sandtrappers and the Prez leagues in Bella Vista. He also enjoyed bowling, dancing, and karaoke at the Moose on Friday nights. He was a loyal fan of Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football and enjoyed Arkansas Razorbacks football games, too.
Len is survived by his wife, Cyndi, brother Kenneth of Milan, IL; children Chris (Lori) of Chebanse, IL; Scott (Kristy) Carlson of Milan, IL; and Beth (Tom) Grashorn of New Brighton, MN. Grandchildren Logan, Ian and Rylin Handley, Matthew and Alex Grashorn. Great Grandson Wesley Handley, his faithful dog Charley, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edward Jr and Theodore Handley, as well as his son, Chad.
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