Stanley M. Tarkenton

Virginia Beach – Stanley M. Tarkenton Sr., 84, passed away on December 30, 2010 at Sentara Leigh Hospital. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on May, 8, 1926 to the late Capt. Walter and Effie Tarkenton. He is predeceased by his brother, Walter Tarkenton Jr.

Stanley, a WWII combat veteran proudly served under General Patton’s command and was the recipient of the Bronze Star and numerous other military recognitions. He used to say, “I had a pilot’s license prior to a driver’s license.”

Stan was a life member of 4th Infantry Division Association, and was the first recipient to be awarded the DMOR, Distinguish Member of the Regiment. He was also a lifetime member of the DAV Virginia Beach Chapter 20. He often spoke with pride of the military and felt a warm kinship to all soldiers.

He was also Commissioner of Babe Ruth Little League- Little Creek when his children were young. He loved to work with the kids and helped to keep the leagues running smoothly for all who enjoyed the game.

“Stan” was a lover of nature and always cared for the little ones who came by to visit…the birds, squirrels and ducks. He enjoyed planting seeds and waiting for a tree or flower to flourish when possible. He could be seen daily walking around his yard waving at anyone who passed by his home.

Stan was a graduate of Williams and Mary and Harvard Business and held many positions locally in banking and commercial mortgage corporations prior to his retirement.

He is survived by Josephine Graeff his companion of 30 years; daughter, Susan Tarkenton; son, Stanley Tarkenton Jr.; grandson, Stanley Tarkenton III, and niece Janie Cimino. Also dear to him are Karen Pelham, Debi and Wil Fritter, Jimmy, Belinda, Ashley, and Jamie Graeff, Steve and Lynette Graeff, Steve Graeff Jr., Matthew Graeff, laura Adams and Eddie Loyd, Mark Adams, Kelly Nieves and Haden Adams. Also, his beloved cats Boots and Chexie.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Bill Davis and many other friends who touched Stan’s life by visiting and laughing with him, which he always enjoyed.

Arrangements under the direction of Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, Virginia Beach, VA.