John Morgan Stahl

August 5, 1925 – September 26, 2021

Beloved father, grandfather, John M. Stahl 96, went to be with the Lord on Sunday September 26, 2021.

He was born in Fresno County to Dorothy Elizabeth Stahl and Elmer Guy Stahl on August 5th, 1925.

He was preceded in death by the “love of this life” and wife of 63 years, Pearl Ward Stahl, in 2009. They are survived by their three loving children Margaret “Peggy” Abels, John M. Stahl Jr and James Christopher (Wife Jennifer) Stahl.

“Jack” attended Fresno schools and graduated from Fresno High School in 1943. In the 9th grade he met his future wife Pearl. After graduation he entered the Army Air Corp, where he trained as a bombardier. While home on leave from the Army Air Corp, in February of 1945 he married Pearl outside of Kingsburg at the Ward River Ranch.

In 1947 “Jack” joined the Fresno Fire Department where he rose to become FIRST ASSISTANT CHIEF and retired after 32 years at the age of 54.

“Jack” was a voracious reader always checking out the maximum amount of the books the library allowed. Over time he developed an abounding interest in antiquaries. Over his retirement years he collected antiques, coins, stamps watches and artwork. He also loved to hunt with his father-in-law EG Ward and his brother-in-law Bill Ward.

He loved train travel and often took a train across the county to scout out his “finds”.

John is also survived by six grandchildren; Joel and Scott Abels, Sara Sitton, Kimberly Carroll, Elizabeth Bezerra and Morgan Stahl – Seven grand grandchildren; Taylor Abels-Rodriquez, Conner, David, and Jack Sitton, Harrison Bezerra and Charlotte and Jack Carroll and a great great grandson Henry Abels-Rodriquez who was born on John’s 96th birthday.

John was an active lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He was also active in the Fresno Exchange Club and loved to ring the bell, the day after Thanksgiving on the Mall

Services for John will be held on Thursday October 14, at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s UMC , 2435 N. Thesta, Fresno.

Remembrances may be sent to St. Paul’s UMC, 2435 N. Thesta, Fresno, CA 93703 or Hinds Hospice 1616 W. Shaw, Ste C-1, Fresno, CA 93711.