Stanley H. Sturges, 91, of 1083 Panama-Bear Lake Road, Panama, N.Y., passed away at 4:48 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 27, 2012), in his home.
A lifelong Panama area resident, he was born Jan. 27, 1921, in the family home in Niobe, N.Y., a son of the late Oliver and Marguerite Haines Sturges.
He was a graduate of the Panama Central School Class of 1938, where he excelled as a basketball player, and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1942 to 1946 during World War II aboard the USS PC 490. During his tour of duty he served several campaigns including Asiatic-Pacific Theater and the Philippine Liberation campaign.
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Before his retirement in 1985, he was employed by the former Blackstone Corporation as a machinist for 38 years. During his retirement years, he worked with his son at Neil's Propane for several years.
Stanley was a 75-year member of the Panama United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir, served as a trustee, taught Sunday school for many years and enjoyed getting together with the men's group. He was also a member of the Harmony Senior Citizens, the Harmony Historical Society, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and the Herman Kent Post 777 American Legion, Celoron.
He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, who was always willing to help others. He was a very quiet, unassuming type man who loved his Lord and walked the walk. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, and enjoyed the years he kept in touch with his former Navy shipmates. Stanley was one of only four living seamen remaining who served aboard the USS PC 490. He also loved the VW automobile, especially the Super Beatle of which he owned several over the years.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Elinor McEntarfer, whom he married Jan. 25, 1947; his three children: Neil G. (Cynthia) Sturges of Panama, N.Y., Linda (William) Schmalfuss of Churchville, N.Y., and Kirk A. Sturges of Arlington, Va.; six grandchildren: Tom Sturges, Darcy Lyon and Tim Sturges, all of Panama, Matthew Schmalfuss, Melissa Beale and Rachele Schmalfuss, all of Rochester, N.Y.; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Donald P. Sturges of Panama; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd Sturges.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Panama United Methodist Church. The Rev. Steven Taylor, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Panama Union Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Panama United Methodist Church, 12 E. Main St. Panama, NY 14767; or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Stanley at www.lindfuneralhome.com.
