Dad's fondest memories were stories of farm life with his Mom, Dad and Ten brothers and sisters. He served as an altar boy to Father Speigley for many years. He grew big and strong and won third place as a bull rider in the rodeo. He dodged many a rattler and has the rattle tails to prove it!
He joined the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Kermit Roosevelt ship. He became the ships welder/Pipe Fitter and boxer. During his deployment he mailed an engagement ring to his beloved Frances Blackburn. She said yes and the rest was history
Once out of the Navy, Papa Stanley married Frances in the very same Catholic Church he served as an altar boy in Grassy Butte.
They lived in Keane in a tiny mobile home and in 1958 their first child was born, Stanette Marie. 18 months later their son Rudy came along. The whole family moved in 1960 to Seattle where Papa Stanley found work at Pacific Car and Foundry in Renton.
Papa Stanley purchased forested land in Maple Valley and cleared it bare handed!! In 1976, a custom built house was built on the acre and a half.
The family experienced a miracle with the birth of Kimberly Jo.
Papa Stanley also worked at Boeing and Washington Iron works, his last welding project was on the nose cone of the Space Shuttle.
Papa Stanley and Frances raised three wonderful, strong children together.
Papa Stanley worked loads of overtime so there would be family vacations! Trips included Family reunions in North Dakota, Alaska, Disneyland and Baja.
His beloved wife Frances passed away and after a year or so of grieving Papa Stanley went out into the world to see Scotland, Australia, Alaska and NYC.
Papa Stanley loved his ever growing family and doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Papa Stan is survived by his Daughter Stanette partner Edward, Son Rudy wife Lisa, Daughter Kim husband Rob, 5 grands: Michelle husband Jake, Dan wife Marsha, Brandon wife Stephanie, Jordan wife Tiphanie, Amber Rose husband Marcus. 6 Great Grandchildren: Chloe, Jessa, Ashlyn, Hadley, Fletcher & Mina.
