Stanley Higham Wanzer's Obituary
Stanley Higham Wanzer, 90, passed away on Sunday afternoon, February 4, 2018 at his home at Silver Creek Senior Living in Olive Branch, MS. Born on September 19, 1927 in Oak Park, Illinois, he was the son of Irving H. and Amy Rowe Wanzer. After moving to Memphis with his family as a child and graduating from Bartlett High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17 during World War II. His college education was put on hold when he was called up again through the Marine Reserves during the Korean War, but he graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in agricultural engineering before returning home and joining the family hardwood dimensions business, Charles O. Cox Corporation. Stan married Gwendolyn Sybeson Wanzer, with whom he enjoyed 53 wonderful years before her death in 2014. He was a founding member of Raleigh Presbyterian Church, a member of the Memphis Lumberman’s Club for over 60 years, and co-owner of Tennessee Hickory Products in Loudon, TN.Spending summers in Pentwater, Michigan was something he enjoyed throughout his entire life, and he and Gwen passed on that family tradition to their children and grandchildren who loved spending time with them at their cottage on Lake Michigan. Stan was known for his love of sailing, the stories he told, his perfect puns, and his daily monitoring of the stock market.He is survived by his son, Grant Wanzer of Loudon, TN and his daughter Wendy Jonkers (Craig) of Raleigh, NC; his sister Janet Wanzer of Memphis; his sister-in-law Sheila Hansen of Glendale, CA; and three granddaughters, Meredith Sloboda (Cole), Allison Jonkers and Caroline Jonkers, all of Raleigh, NC.Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 2-4 p.m. and funeral services at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 9 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with burial to follow.The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers, especially Brenda and Lois. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mid-South Food Bank (Memphis), the Salvation Army or the Michigan Waterfront Alliance (mwai.org).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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