AVILLA — Donald L. Ley, 82, of Avilla, died on Thursday. Jan 22, 2015 .at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. He was born on Oct 18, 1932, in Avilla to the late William and Ethel (Aman) Ley. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Confict. On September 3, 1955, he married Mary Helmkamp, who survives. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church in Avilla, and a member of the Avilla American Legion Post #240. He enjoyed fishing, baking cookies, going to casinos, and playing cards. He especially loved his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ley; sons, William (Christine) Ley of Avilla, Brian (Julia) Ley of Hudson, Brent (Karna) Ley of Avilla, and Ronald (Kathy) Ley of Auburn; daughters, Glenda (Wally) Stevens of Kendallville, Barb (David) Thomas of Avilla, Marty (Darl) Boyd of Kendallville, and Joyce (Greg) Haney of Fort Wayne. Also surviving are a brother, Victor Ley of Avilla; 41 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Teresa Glasgow, and brothers, John Ley and Charles Ley. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church, Avilla, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Visitation also from 2 -7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at Brazzell Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N. Main St., Avilla. A rosary vigil will be at 6:30 p.m. Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Avilla. Memorials are to St. Mary's Catholic School in Avilla, or Parkview Hospital Stanley Wissman Stroke Center. To leave online condolences, visit www.brazzellfuneralhomes.com.