Stephen Michael Stanley

Stephen Michael Stanley was called home to be with the Lord on January 30, 2025 in Austin,Texas at the age of 98. He was born in Miami, Florida to Snowie Mahaffey Stanley and Henry Smith Stanley on November 20,1926 and named Smith Mahaffey Stanley. Noting that having three last names was a challenge, in 1953 he officially changed his name to Stephen Michael Stanley. The decision to keep the same initials reflects his thoughtful and practical nature as well as his desire to continue to honor his parents. Steve was a true patriot. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, the day after he graduated from high school, to serve in WWII. A veteran of both WWII and the Korean War, Steve served in the Air Force as well as the Navy. It was during this time working with radar and electronics that he shifted his interest from medicine to engineering. Building on his knowledge of these technologies, Steve earned a Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami and studied Technical Management at the University of California. Steve found his calling in the field of aerospace. His career spanned five decades during which he was employed at Philco-Ford, Ford Aerospace and United Space Alliance, from which he retired in 2002. He worked on a wide range of projects, from the communication system for Mission Control and computer systems aboard the Space Shuttle, to ground support systems for unmanned satellites and the International Space Station. Steve managed many teams and was acknowledged for his leadership during the heyday of the space program, helping build the NASA we know today. Steve married Mary Jo Balshaw Wieser in 1964. They lived and raised their family outside of Houston until 2005, when they relocated to Central Texas to be closer to their oldest daughter. Steve adored his wife and was dedicated to demonstrating his love for her until she passed in 2017. Incredibly industrious, resourceful, and productive, Steve was a man in motion. While navigating his engineering career, he also managed real estate interests, started several businesses, and completed multiple home renovations. He continued to stay active and help others after his retirement to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas. He read in elementary schools, volunteered with the Kiwanis Club and veterans groups, and attended Aviation Club meetings. Steve was a lifelong learner and enjoyed researching his wide range of interests. Quick with a smile and a kind word, Steve was a loyal friend and neighbor who was known for his generosity and gentle countenance. Most of the time, Steve was content to let others have the spotlight and to be a valued listener. When prompted, he would relay his stories and experiences, such as how he witnessed the singular flight of Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose from the deck of a naval carrier or that he participated in the evolution of electronic computers from WWII and room-sized machines, to the personal computers and handheld devices we use today. Steve was a beloved father, granddad, and "Pops" (great-granddad). He leaves two loving daughters and their husbands, Desiree Stanley-Payne and Rich Payne and Sherrie and Bob Frachtman; three cherished grand-children, Adrienne, Brandon (Natalie) and Julian (Leah); and four treasured great grand-children, Gabriel, Levi, Lily, and Gemma; and many others fortunate enough to have known him. In addition to his wife, Mary Jo, Steve was predeceased by his son, Randy Wieser, and his parents and sisters and brother. The family would like to thank the compassionate medical/dental professionals who cared for Steve including Joyce Tseng, AGCNS, Dr. Todd Smith, Dr. Mark Sweeney, and his Hospice Austin team of angels as well as his exceptional caregivers in his later years at Brookdale Gaines Ranch and Silverleaf Eldercare-Arboretum. He was loved by all of them in large part due to his kindness and humility. We are also thankful for his special friendships with Jean Pehrson and Myra Eppright, both of whom brought much joy to his life. A graveside service was held in Houston on February 2, 2025 at Forest Park-Lawndale Cemetery where Steve was laid to rest, along side his beloved wife, Mary Jo, with military honors. A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned in Austin this spring at a date to be determined. For those who might want to make a contribution in Steve's memory, please consider Hospice Austin (https://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved/donate/) or Honor Flight Austin (https://honorflightaustin.org/donate/) or a cause meaningful to you.

Stephen Michael Stanley

November 20, 1926 - January 30, 2025