Stanley Day Warburton

Stan grew up in south Texas and graduated from Freer High School where he was active on the school tennis team. He worked in his father's Western Auto store from the age of 10. Stan attended college before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in April, 1953. When Stan completed his basic training, instead of being deployed to Korea, he was shipped to Wackernheim, Germany, and was assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 94th AAA Battalion, 2nd Armored Division.

While in Germany, Stan attended many training schools and served with General Doan's Sports Division. He was an excellent tennis player and traveled throughout the southern and central part of Germany playing in and winning many tournaments. For his accomplishments, he received a "Pass and Review" parade by his fellow soldiers where he was formally presented with all his trophies. He received a promotion to Corporal for his service. Stan was discharged from the Army in April, 1955. He returned to his home in Freer and used the G.I. Bill to continue school at the University of Texas in Austin. It was there he met and married his wife, Joan Farquhar, in June, 1959.

After his discharge from the army, Stan began his career in sales at White’s in Austin before transferring to Houston. He then moved to Freer to buy the Western Auto store from his father and later returned to Houston to work for Goodyear. Stan transitioned from retail sales to commercial sales and for 50 years was known to his many colleagues and friends as “Stan, the Tire Man.”

After retiring, Stan and Joan moved to Heritage Grand in Katy and became members of Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church. They loved the community and friends that they established there. Stan was very active in the Heritage Grand Veterans Club and enjoyed fun times with his team helping put up flags in the neighborhood. He also organized food donations for local groups through his connections with friends at local grocery stores. His friends knew he'd have anything from turkeys to hot dogs to distribute on short notice. One of the highlights of the last few years was the Honor Flight that Stan and his veteran buddies took to Washington, D. C. When not volunteering with the Veterans Club, Stan and his dog “King George” were often seen riding around the neighborhood in a golf cart greeting his many neighbors and friends.

Stan was a devoted husband, father to his two daughters, grandfather to his three grandchildren, an avid storyteller, the life of the party, and a perennial jokester. He never met a stranger and loved his family beyond measure. His favorite thing was giving big bear hugs to his grandchildren. Life was never dull with Stan, and he loved to tell stories about his adventures which were greatly enhanced with each telling. He was always ready for a spirited game of cards at home with friends or at a casino; he was sure that he would always be a winner. In cards and in life Stan always had a Positive Mental Attitude.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Lawrence Henry Warburton Jr., Shirley Warburton Newhouse, and Bruce Lane Warburton. Stan is dearly missed by survivors Joan, his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, his daughters Dede Woods and son-in-law Paul Woods, Elizabeth Bruce and son-in-law Walter Bruce, grandchildren Rebecca Woods, Walt and Caroline Bruce, sister- and brother-in-law Nancy and Ben Matula, nieces Sharron Newhouse and Aimee Ordner, and nephews Pat Warburton, Bill Warburton, Robert Warburton, Sean Newhouse and great-nieces and -nephews.

Stan will be laid to rest in the Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heritage Grand Veterans Club, ℅ Heritage Grand Clubhouse, 25125 Heritage Grand, Katy, TX 77494, or a charity of your choice.