John Roger Stanley

John Roger Stanley, known as Roger to his family and friends, was born on May 17, 1935, in Huntington Park, California. He left this world on December 4, 2024, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a whole lot of well-tended lawns. At the time of his passing, he was residing comfortably in Georgetown, Texas, a place he called home for many joyful years.

In 1951, Houston became home to the young Roger, who soon impressed everyone with his agility and speed on the track at Stephen F. Austin High School. There, he caught the eye of Nancy Jane Wilson, beginning a love story that wove its way into every facet of Roger's life. They married in 1957, cementing a partnership defined by laughter, resilience, and a shared devotion to family.

Roger’s service as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg (1956-1958) was where he honed his enduring strength and perseverance. Though his time there was relatively brief, it was profoundly formative, influencing his outlook on life and his exemplary work ethic.

Trading the air for the earth, Roger found his calling in welding, steadily climbing the ranks at Perlite and its future transformations into Arrow and Seaforth. Here, his skills and diligence saw him become an estimator eventually rising to a supervisor of multiple crews. Roger was nothing if not multifaceted. Through his welding skills, his hands could manipulate steel one moment and carefully handle delicate taxidermy work the next. With his taxidermy skills he created stunning life-like representations that once even included a giraffe for the Houston Zoo.

Life was busy and abundant for Roger and Nancy with their three children: Tamara Lynn, and twins Roger Stacey and John Tracey. He nurtured his children's passions and interests with silent encouragement, often tending to his award-winning yard as a metaphor for the care he poured into his family life.

Throughout the years, while never overt in his displays of affection, Roger’s actions consistently conveyed his deep love for those he held dear. After Nancy's passing, retiring in 1997 allowed Roger to focus on his children and his cherished routines—catching morning workouts, rarely missing an Astros broadcast, experiencing the thrill of skiing, going to the gun range, enjoying breakfasts with close friends, and relishing Friday dinners at Juanito's with family.

Everyone who knew Roger will recall his silent strength, unwavering loyalty, and inclination for showing his love through actions rather than words. He leaves behind a legacy in his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, who continue to find comfort in knowing that he and Nancy are reunited once more. His life was a testament to devotion and love, one that will inspire those who knew him for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Texas Wildlife Association or any other associations that specialize in animal and habitat conservation.