What do you learn after nearly a century of living, loving, and laughing? Stanley Lear, our oldest guest yet on The Grandpa Channel, has the answer: keep smiling.

Born in 1930, Stanley grew up during the Great Depression as the eldest of 10 children in a 20x12 tar-paper home. From delivering newspapers at age seven to serving in France during the Korean War, his stories trace a life built on resilience, family, and love.

But Stanley’s legacy isn’t just about hard work. It’s about love — 73 years of marriage to his sweetheart, raising a family rooted in gratitude, and sharing joy through handmade gifts, gardens, and jokes that span generations.

In this heartfelt (and often hilarious) episode, Stanley reflects on:

• Growing up poor — but never feeling it.

• Meeting his wife and the secret to 73 years of marriage.

• Building a life through farming, welding, and hard work.

• Why he makes jewelry and shovel-bird sculptures… and gives them away.

• How his garden and humor keep him young.

• His best family jokes (yes, the Dolly Parton one makes an appearance).

• The simple life lesson he hopes the Lear Family, 100+ grandkids and great-grandkids remember: always be honest, and never stop smiling.

This is an episode about humility, humor, and the kind of wisdom that can only be earned through nearly a century of living.

💡 Whether you’re here for the life stories, the family connection, or just a good laugh, Stanley’s message is one we all need right now: gratitude makes life rich, and a smile makes it better.