Stan Bronson's Obituary
John Stanard “Stan” Bronson, Jr., born July 19, 1928, died January 9, 2018 at his home in Legacy Estates, Memphis, Tennessee. Stan finished a big breakfast, as was his custom, then settled in for a morning nap and mercifully passed in his sleep. He had a full life and touched the lives of an incalculable number of people; friends and family. He will be remembered for the warmth of his smile and the effusive greeting he always offered: “how you?” Stan Bronson was born with mental and physical handicaps that his parents, John Sr. and Irma Howard Bronson, worked hard to help him overcome. Everyone that knew him would testify that he certainly transcended his limitations and then some. Diagnosed at age 21 with an I Q of 47, Stan accomplished more than most, eventually achieving an honorary degree from the University of Memphis. Stan’s relationship with the University began in 1958. After a short, unsuccessful stint with the athletic department at Rhodes College, Stan’s mother introduced him to Spook Murphy, the baseball coach at (then) Memphis State, hoping to get Stan into the program. Murphy responded that he had no money to pay for a new hire. Stan famously replied, “don’t need money, just need a job”. He became the Tiger’s batboy and continued for 56 years. He is recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as “The Most Durable Batboy”. Stan became a fixture at the University of Memphis. After trudging the mile or so up Central Avenue he would begin each school day with a tour of the campus, shouting his signature “how you?” to his friends in the student body. As classes commenced, he sat in the library to “study” until lunch time. The University provided his meals at the Tiger Den. Afternoons would find him on the baseball field if it was in season. Stan was a cheerleader for all the University sports teams — especially the lady’s — but the baseball program was always his primary allegiance. He continued as batboy through many coaching changes until finally, under Coach Schoenrock, his number was retired. Stan had a lawn mowing business that he ran from his home on Marne Street near Central Avenue in the off season. He could be spotted dragging his rusty power mower and carrying a gas can through the neighborhood all during the hot, steamy months of summer. He was indefatigable, always determined to be productive — and he liked to make a little money. Stan is survived by his good friend and nephew, Eric Matheson, Eric’s wife Glenda and their children, Sean, Catherine (Corkran) and Emily (Winn) along with a vast collection of devoted Howard cousins, beginning with Katherine Howard, including Stephen, Julie (Pabst) and Beth (Skalish). His dearest cousin, Clarence Howard, Jr., proceeded him in death several years earlier. Stan is loved by the community of Memphis and he loved them right back. He leaves us with a lesson in life, among other things, that no person need be defined by their limitations. A memorial celebration of his life is being planned for February 16th, opening day for Tiger Baseball, at FedEx Park at 1 p.m. Efforts are underway to establish an athletic scholarship in Stan Bronson’s name.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119 (901)767-8930 “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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