Stan Burns

Stan was born on April 13, 1951, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Kenneth D. Burns and Mary Etta (Meyer) Burns. He graduated from Wichita High School and went on to build a long and dedicated career with AT&T, retiring after 30 years as a Construction Manager. In September 2024, Stan and his wife Sheryl were honored to be named deacons at Norman Bible Church, where they faithfully served their community.

Stan and Sheryl were married on July 6, 1991. Together, they shared a life full of deep love, laughter, and devotion. Stan always said that his perfect day would be “riding his Harley with Sheryl on the back,” and they spent many days doing exactly that. As he liked to joke, “I love to ride, and she loves to eat, so we always rode to eat.”

Stan’s love for Sheryl was evident in everything he did. She brought out the very best in him, and he adored her above all else. His love extended beyond immediate family, he lived the true meaning of family, especially in their beautifully blended household. To those who knew him, Stan made everyone feel like family. In fact, granddaughter Maddie, who gave him the nickname “Fambley Joe” when she couldn’t say Stanley, didn’t realize for years that they weren’t related by blood. That was just who Stan was; completely loving, wholeheartedly giving, and fully present.

Stan and Sheryl lived in Tulsa for many years before moving back to Norman in 2008. In Norman, Stan thrived doing what he loved most; riding his Harley, building furniture and cabinets from scratch, woodworking gifts for loved ones, and cooking incredible meals. He even created his own cookbook one year, photographing and laminating each recipe and gifting them to “his girls” at Christmas. He was a perfectionist, if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

Stan was humble and generous, often helping others quietly, never seeking attention or recognition. He was the kind of person who would drop everything for someone he loved and then tell no one about it. His work ethic was unmatched, whether he was redoing a room in the house, mastering a new recipe, or planting in his garden.

He loved country music, especially Riley Green, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Brooks & Dunn. He constantly found new songs and shared them with Sheryl, Maddie, or Kelly. His favorite colors were red and black, and his humor shone through in the way he teased and joked with those closest to him. His son-in-laws, Chris and Jon, could always make him laugh, When Sheryl would call him funny, he would always say “I’m not funny, you and Maddie are funny.”

Stan loved deeply and fully. He adored his family and never missed a chance to spend time with his daughters, grandkids, or to host a meal that brought everyone together. He was a storyteller, known for his sharp memory and "smart truths with a little side of attitude." He loved to fish, to golf, and to cheer on the Thunder, OU football, and especially OU women’s softball.

One of the greatest joys of Stan’s life was his dog DayZ, who he and Sheryl got in 2020. Every morning, the two would go on a ride around the neighborhood. He taught her tricks, celebrated her birthday with parties, and made her homemade dog food. Before DayZ, he shared many good years with his beloved labs Toby and Elly and their litters of puppies.

Stan is survived by his beloved wife, Sheryl Burns, of Norman, Oklahoma; his mother, Mary Etta Meyer; and his children, Jessica Pool and husband Jon, of Prescott, Arizona, Jennifer Gibson, of Moore, Oklahoma, Shella Southern and husband Chris, of Norman, Oklahoma, Kelly Garren and husband Rob, of McDonald, Tennessee; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Ben Pool, Cooper and Gracen Gibson, Kate and Forrest Garren, and Maddie Southern. Stan is also survived by his brothers, Andy Burns of Oklahoma City and Jason Burns, as well as two nieces and many extended family members and friends who will miss his stories, his wisdom, and his big heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth D. Burns.

Stan Burns will be remembered for his generosity, humility, humor, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for his family. Whether he was building a cabinet, cooking a new dish, taking DayZ for a ride, or just sitting on the porch with Sheryl, he lived every moment with purpose and care. He taught those around him what it truly meant to love, to give, and to build a life worth living. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

A memorial service for Stan will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche st., Norman, OK 73069.