Capt. Stanton King Wesson

Stan was a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and overall cool guy. He passed away on October 25, 2022 at the age of 73, surrounded by loved ones after a long and valiant battle with leukemia.

Stan served his country in uniform for over 30 years. He began his military career as a soldier serving in the Republic of South Vietnam as a Warrant Officer where he flew the AH-1Cobra helicopter with the 7/17th Cavalry Regiment (Ruthless Riders) of the 1st Aviation Brigade. As a Cavalryman, he earned several awards for Valor that included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and several awards of the Air Medal.

Following his time in the Army, he competed and was selected to attend the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) as a Naval Officer in their Charter Class. He graduated in 1980 becoming a Doctor of Medicine. As a naval doctor, he first interned and served as a pediatrician and later as a board-certified Dermatologist. He served in several assignments in his naval career which included being a doctor and regimental surgeon with the U.S Marines Camp Lejeune, NC and in Beirut, Lebanon; Bethesda Naval Hospital, Naval Station Guam, and culminating his career in 2000 as the Executive Officer at Hospital Jacksonville NAS.

As a physician, professor, and mentor at the University of Florida Dermatology Department, he touched many lives. From the words of his former students, he took a program that was on the brink of failure to a respected and thriving program that the entire dermatological community recognizes. Some credit him for their success because he believed in them. Stan’s former students, colleagues and their families were a cherished part of his life until his final day.

As a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and uncle he was the best. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Cynthia Mary Wesson, daughters, Catherine (Walter) and Caroline (Jayson), grandchildren, Craig (Arriana), Melanie, Chandler (Kalei), Braden (Lindsey), Riley, Chloë, Ian and Luke, great grandchildren Kimberlyn, Bryleigh, Alexander and Jade, brother, Cameron (Karla), sisters, Lucy and Anna (Ron), In-laws- Linda, Vincent (Sherie), Pat (Laura), Ted (Liz), many nephews and nieces, and lifelong friend Dr. Greg Allen.

He enjoyed being with family and friends, traveling, medicine (dermatology), teaching, drinking whiskey, Corvettes and sharing Wessonisms with anyone who would listen.

He was preceded by his parents, Benjamin Lawrence Wesson (Sr.) and Mattie “Colleen” Wesson, a brother, Benjamin Lawrence (Jr) (Larry), sister, Lawreen, and his son, Ryan Stanton Wesson.

He will be greatly missed and will always hold a place in the hearts of not only his family, but so many. We are arranging military funeral services and honors that will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date and will provide those details when available.

The Celebrate of his Life will be held on the Terrace at Margaritaville in Jacksonville Beach

from 4pm to 7pm on November 6, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stanton's memory may be made.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Wesson family.

Arrangements are under the care of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.