Stanley (Butch) E. Backus, 76, of Unadilla and Zephyrhills, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at Gulfside Hospice Center in Zephyrhills.
He was born Sept. 2, 1948 in Bainbridge. He was the son of the late Paul Lee Backus and LaVerna Beers Foree. He was married to the love of his life, Sharon (DeForest) Backus for 52 years after four years of courtship.
Stan graduated from Unatego Central School in 1966. He attended Farmingdale State College and Binghamton University. He worked at Amphenol in Sidney for 40 years. Stan was a life member of the Unadilla Fire Department and the Unadilla Rod and Gun Club and also a member of the Elks Club. He coached several youth baseball teams, worked as the treasurer of Unadilla Boy Scout Troop 1, volunteered his time and the lumber to build the Boy Scout Camp at Buckhorn Lake, and he helped establish Explorer Post 11. He was a member of the Unadilla Center Methodist Church where he also volunteered with the maintenance and upkeep of the church.
Stan also enjoyed collecting 1957 Chevy cars and memorabilia, woodworking and stock car races. He loved to travel, spend time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.
He is survived by his three children Stanley (Ley) Backus (DeAnna), Bret Backus (Peggy Curtis) and Katrina Ford; grandchildren Syrrah (Jeremy) Baker, Devin Backus, Caleb Backus, Garrett Backus and Cooper Ford; great-grandchildren Zane Backus, Kennedi Backus, Grayson Crabtree, and Masyn Baker.
He was predeceased by his father Paul Backus, mother and stepfather, LaVerna and Robert E. Foree, wife Sharon, and grandson Trevor Microni. Special thanks to good friends Paul Labreque, Kathy Becker and Tim Dumond.
A celebration of Stan’s life will be held Dec. 29, from 2 - 5 p.m., with a short service starting at 2:30 at the Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Unadilla Center Cemetery Association, 1189 Butternut Road, Unadilla, NY 13849.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
