Stanley John Smith passed away Aug. 15, 2022 at his home in Laurel, surrounded by his wife and children. Stanley was born Nov. 11, 1930 to Leroy and Amelia Smith in Hilltown, Pa., the oldest of two children.
During high school he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 73 years, Emma Jean Lowe Smith. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1948. Stanley then attended Beacom College (Goldey-Beacom) in Wilmington. Stanley served 18 years in the Delaware Army National Guard as an Air Defense Artillery Operator. He earned his pilot’s license at the age of 16.
He began his lifetime career in the dairy industry working for the Southland Corporation as an Executive Branch Manager of a dairy facility. After retirement Stanley operated a school bus for the family business, G.T. Lowe Inc. He went on to serve as the President of the Laurel School Bus Contractors Association. Stanley was a member of the Laurel Junior Chamber of Commerce and was given the Outstanding Director Award.
Stanley was a member of the Odd Fellows Charity Lodge #27, Martha Rebekah Lodge #21, and the Laurel American Legion Post #19 in Laurel. He enjoyed working in his garage and relaxing around the backyard pool. Above all his accomplishments, Stanley’s life was dedicated to his loving wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. He never met a stranger.
Stanley is survived by his wife Jean; daughter, Valerie Smith; son, Robert Smith (Dana); grandchildren, Scott Smith (Lindsey), Amelia Smith Dorsey (Kevin), Emma Smith Hexter (Christopher), Emily Haskins-Smith; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, and Regan Smith; sister, Shirley Smith Parsons (Norman, deceased), and numerous nieces, nephews, and family members.
In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his oldest son Alan Smith (Nancy) whose sudden death left a huge void in Stanley’s life.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Centenary United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with Reverend Dale Bannon officiating. The family will greet friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Laurel Odd Fellows Charity Lodge #27, Martha Rebekah Lodge #21 or Laurel American Legion Post #19 in Stanley’s name. If unable to attend those wishing to sign the guestbook may do so through the Cranston Funeral Home website, www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.