JESSE MELVIN "MEL" STANLEY

Jesse Melvin "Mel" Stanley, 80, of San Angelo, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2007 in a local hospital. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 29, 2007 at the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel, with Chaplain Jim Benson officiating. Burial will follow at the Miles Cemetery. Jesse was born April 30, 1926 in Carridan, Texas to Jesse James and Clara Louisa Stanley. He proudly enlisted in the Army in1943, while in England, and on his 17th birthday, he served in WWII. In 1945, Jesse reenlisted at Randolph AFB. He became a member of the National Guard in 1950, only to be recalled to the Army and stationed back in Germany to serve his country during the Korean War. Jesse joined the VFW in 1954 and held various offices in Local VFW Post 1815; became JR Vice Commander in 1969; SR Vice Commander in 1970; State Commander in 1971 and 1972; he served two terms as National Counsel Member of VFW; Jesse worked for Terrill Manufacturing for 26 years. He was an avid musician starting the Mel Stanley Country Band and Radio Show at the City Auditorium during the late 1940's and 1950's. Jesse retired in 1983, then he and Mildred vacationed and traveled the U.S. and abroad. He was an avid collector of Western movies dating back to 1928. Survivors are his wife of 40 years Mildred Stanley of San Angelo; daughters Sharon Dove of San Angelo; Marcia Gregory and husband, Ron of Gallatin, Tennessee; sons Alan Stanley and wife, Barbara of San Antonio; Tibby Stanley and wife, Judy of San Angelo; brothers Robert Stanley and wife, Lu Ella of San Angelo; Raymond Stanley of San Antonio; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.