STANTON, Herb

Captain Herb Stanton went to meet his Lord and Maker on April 4, 2004. Herb was born June 12, 1938 and lived in Downers Grove, IL. He attended Cranbrook Prep School in Bloomfield Hills, MI, Bradley University in Peoria, IL where he received his B.S. in History, and his Dental Degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry in Chicago. He served his country with distinction and honor for 30 years of active duty in the Navy Dental Corps and was awarded five personal decorations with two Navy Commendations, a Meritorious Service Medal, and two Legion of Merits. His assignments included 9 years as a Commanding Officer, 4 years of sea duty, and 11 years with the Marines. While stationed in Chinhae, Korea for thirty months, he examined and performed dentistry in a "people-to-people" program where he treated over 13,000 Korean people in remote areas and on an island and established an education program in the school system. He touched the lives of many in the military as mentor of many young dental officers and was respected as a role model for a leader. Herb loved the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and his Country. Since his children were living in Scottsdale, Herb and his wife moved there after his retirement from the Navy in 1995. His hobbies included physical fitness, cooking, landscaping, bird watching, and ASU football (thank you to Coach Dirk Koetter for his kindness and compassion). Herb was a member and President of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a Life Loyal Sig. Herb also served as a Deacon at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. Herb and his family want to thank the Pastoral staff at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church: Dr. Larry Corbett, Rev. Fran Park, Dr. Duane Holloran, and the congregation for their spiritual comfort; Hospice of the Valley care givers, especially Margaret Baker; and Paul Messinger, Robyne, and staff at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary. A special thanks to all friends and family for their loving care and support. Herb's love of family and sense of humor will always be cherished and remembered. Herb will never be forgotten as he lives on in our hearts. Herb is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Marta; treasured children: daughter, Susan, and son, David and wife Nancy; 3 very special grandchildren: Sydney, Reyna, and Drake; 2 dear sisters: Joyce and husband Bill Klein, Joan and husband John Ruhaak; 3 cousins: Linda and husband Chuck Carlsen, Captain George Stanton, and Kathleen McNally; and brother-in-law Herb Tragethon. Visitation was on Thursday, April 8 at Messinger Funeral Home, 8555 Pinnacle Peak Road. Funeral Services at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Chapel, 25150 N. Pima Road on Friday, April 9, 2004, with interment following at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Pinnacle Peak Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Herb's memory. Published in the Arizona Republic from 4/7/2004 - 4/9/2004.