Gerald Merlin “Jerry” Stanley, 91, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away on August 1, 2020, at Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on November 18, 1928, in California, Missouri, the son of James and Evelyn (Karr) Stanley. Gerald married Barbara Miller Rodgers on December 31, 1972, in Newport Beach, California. They were best friends and partners for forty-seven years.
Gerald faithfully served his Country in the United States Navy. Before the Korean War, Gerald was a Navy Radio Officer and experienced some activity during the Chinese Revolution. During the Korean War, he served as a radio operator where his Russian language skills were used. Recently, Gerald was privileged to complete the 2018 Honor Flight and see again the War Memorials in Washington, DC.
Gerald had a great sense of humor and loved people. He was a teacher, school administrator, and mentor to students from intermediate through college age. He loved to watch people learn and had the ability to build caring relationships with his students and peers while working in school administration.
Gerald joined the Catholic faith and participated in his First Holy Communion in Rome while celebrating his eighty-fifth birthday. In his free time, Gerald enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his wife Barbara, son Chris, family and friends. He loved animals especially dogs. Gerald had a sweet tooth and only ate a meal to enjoy his desserts. His whit and sense of humor were legendary. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.
Gerald will be remembered by his wife, Barbara Stanley of Newburgh, IN; daughter, Shannon Stanley of Barberton, OH; sons, Michael Stanley of Nampa, ID and Chris Rodgers and wife Tessa of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Suzanne French, Jeanette Nielsen, and Brian Walters; great grandchildren, Brandon French, Nathan French, Nikolas Holmes, Bryawna Holmes-Ludwig, Tyler Renn, Kaden Walters and Jade Walters; sister, Ruthann LaPoint of Millcreek, WA. Also left to cherish his memory are Barbara’s family who shared many moments of eating, laughing and traveling with Jerry.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Delbert Stanley and James Stanley.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Memorials can be mailed directly to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Gerald’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Stanley family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
