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Elbert James Stanley
November 2, 1925 - June 2, 2019

Elbert J. Stanley was born in Lutesville, MO to Elbert Samuel and Mary Etta Barks Stanley November 2, 1925. He peacefully departed this life on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at St. Bernard Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR at ninety-three years and seven months of age. Mr. Stanley grew up primarily in Arkansas, graduating from Hot Springs High in 1943. As a seventeen year-old, he entered the US Navy on 30 June 1943. After completing training at Millsaps College in Mississippi, Princeton University in New Jersey, and Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Northwestern University in Chicago, Elbert became an Ensign and was assigned to the submarine chaser PC-1179 in the Pacific Ocean. He loved this ship and eventually he commanded after being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Elbert served the duration of WW2 on this ship, and was released from active duty in August 1946. He continue on in inactive status in the Naval Reserve until released 30 June 1967. After the war, Elbert completed an engineering degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and moved to Trumann, AR. In 1957, he began working with Poinsett Lumber and Manufacturing, progressing through various engineering positions to become part of management. This led him to become employed by the parent company, Singer. At Singer, Elbert advanced and eventually traveled to France, Turkey and  Kenya, building Singer plants, training local workers and supervising operations. After returning stateside, Elbert worked at Singer in Trumann until 1974 when it began closing. He subsequently worked for Angelo Manufacturing, Hytrol Conveyor, Baldwin Piano, and Parker-Hannifin. He also continued doing private engineering consulting. Mr. Stanley was reared in the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ and had a sound faith in God and loved the Word, studying it diligently, especially during his last years. When healthier, Elbert loved hunting, fishing, swimming, flying, attending sporting events (esp. Arkansas Razorback games) and Broadway plays. He took great pleasure in visiting with family and old friends when able to do so and was proud of his participation in many clubs and civic organizations, such as the Trumann Lions Club, The American Legion, the Patrol Craft Sailors Association, etc. Mr. Stanley is survived by step-son Ron Moss (Jeannie) of Trumann; step-daughter Mary Lee Brock Cunningham of Jonesboro, step-son Ernie Curtis Brock (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, NC; sister, Thelma Mae Castle Grebe of Memphis, TN,  her children, Richard Castle (Elke) and Elana Castle Churchill; nephews Bob Denman, Jr. (Peggy) of Little Rock, AR and Stanley Denman (Ladonna) of Bryant, AR; and by several great-nephews and nieces.        Elbert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Mary Evelyn Stanley Denman (Bob, Sr.); and by three ladies he loved, his first wife, Mary Geneva Moss Stanley; his second wife, Nellie Biddle Moss Stanley; and his companion of nine years, Helen Brock.        Services will be at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Trumann, AR on Friday June 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. [Visitation from 12:00 till 1:00.] Private burial in Jonesboro  Memorial Park.  Memorials may be made to the Trumann Lions Club [PO Box 1, Trumann, AR 72472] or the charity of one’s choice.        See www.thompsonfuneralhome.net to sign register.

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Visitation

June 7, 2019

Jonesboro Memorial Park
3910 Harrisburg Road
Jonesboro, AR 72404

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Funeral Service

June 7, 2019
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Thompson Funeral Home Chapel
220 Viva Drive
Trumann, AR 72472

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Graveside Service

June 7, 2019
01:00 PM

Thompson Funeral Home
220 Viva Drive
Trumann, AR 72472

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