Stanley E. Wilson

Stanley E. “Big Stan” Wilson, 79, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Indianapolis on March 20, 1945, to the late Ralph Eugene and Iva Russell (Guthrie). The oldest of three children, Stan grew up in Indianapolis where he played high school football and proudly graduated from George Washington High School. Upon graduation, he nobly enlisted in the United States Navy serving as an Electricians Mate 3rd Class during the Korean War. When his service was complete, he used the skills acquired in the Navy and joined the Local IBEW 481 as a master electrician, devoting 35 years of hard work, deservingly retiring in 2004. In addition, Stan was a member of the Federation of Lineman and Electricians, and the Monrovia Masonic Lodge 635. While living in Florida, Stan met the love of his life, Carol, and the pair were happily united in marriage on April 29, 1975. The couple moved around the country frequently, before settling in the into the small-town life of Monrovia to raise their family. A dedicated father, Stan coached his boys in all sports teams, traveled with them for games and wrestling meets, and was the founder of the Monrovia Youth Wrestling Club. His house was the safe zone for his boys and their friends, and they spent every weekend in the basement hanging out and having fun. A true mentor, his boys and their friends still look up to him with the utmost respect. A grill master, Stan regularly hosted parties such as an annual fish fry, hog roast for his brothers from the FLEA, and his house was the place to be during the Monrovia Festival. With a green thumb, he planted and raised a vegetable garden every year and shared the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed fishing immensely, especially at Van Bibber Lake. He was known to ride his golf cart all over, loved to walk his dogs (who all had some version of the name Sam), as well as walking a cat he once owned. Charismatic, outgoing, and a genuinely friendly soul, Stan could strike up a conversation with anyone he came across. He had a great sense of humor, and was known to be quite the storyteller, often spewing hogwash just to get you going. He found joy in aggravating his family at times, but overall, he loved them dearly. Truly larger than life, Stan was one in a million and lived his life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and popping his dentures out to get a rise out of you. All in all, he left a legacy of love and friendship and will be deeply missed. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol A. (Trego) Wilson, and brother, Ronnie Wilson. Stan leaves behind his children, Stanley Wilson, Jr. (Kris) of Camby, Andy Wilson (Tina) of Seymour, Eric Wilson (Deyanira) of Naples, FL, and Tim Wilson of Cape Coral, FL; sister, Susie Lund of Indianapolis; as well as grandchildren, Peyton, Kolton, Sutton, and Connor Wilson. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7pm, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11am, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the funeral home, with an additional hour of calling held prior from 10am. Pastor Jack Elliott will officiate services and Stan will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Carol in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, Stan's family has requested for memorial contributions to be made to the MONROVIA WRESTLING CLUB. Online donations may be sent online via paypal http://paypal.me/LightMemorial. or checks may be mailed to Attn: Athletic Dept., 205 S. Chestnut St., Monrovia, IN 46157. Look for Envelopes and QR Code Display near the Guest Registry at the funeral home and be sure to include In Memory of Stan in the check memo. In addition, guests are encouraged to dress casual and comfortable for all events. Online condolences, pictures, favorite stories and candles may be shared with the family by visiting his tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Stanley E. Wilson

March 20, 1945 - June 12, 2024