Charles Stanyarne Mangleburg III

Charles Stanyarne Mangleburg, III, 86, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia. Mr. Mangleburg was a physicist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. He enjoyed developing laser, infrared and defensive missile systems to protect our Navy personnel for 40 years until his retirement in 2002. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Stan and his wife, Lawanna, made their life in Colonial Beach, Virginia beginning in 1962. He lived a life of quiet service and contributed to the foundation of Colonial Beach. He helped found the local Jaycees chapter, a group dedicated to community service, and was a member of the Colonial Beach Fire Department in the 1960’s.

He found his mission with the Colonial Beach school system and served on the School Board for 24 years, serving as Chairman for 21 of those years. He was also active in the Virginia School Boards Association Eastern Division serving for a decade in the roles of chairman, then director and legislative committee member.

His passion was providing a superior learning environment for Colonial Beach’s young people. He worked within the community for many years to promote the construction of a new high school which would be largely financed through community fund-raising activities. The community came through and ground was broken for a new high school and gym in 1987.

Stan was a Christian and loved to sing. He was a lifelong member of the Colonial Beach Baptist Church and a member of their Chancel Choir. He served on church committees and enjoyed being a church deacon in his later years.

In his spare time, he planted huge gardens which gave bountiful yields of organic vegetables. Never taking the easy way he took pride in his organic compost, raised beds and insistence on no pesticides. With his further love of sailing, many family afternoons were spent in the river on their Hobie Cat, flying hulls and riding the wind.

The arrival of his grandchildren brought him new joy, and he cherished sharing his love of cooking and the natural world with them.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lawanna Hicks Mangleburg; his children, Benson Scott Mangleburg and his wife, Tammy, and Ann Claire Hunter; his grandchildren, Grant Mangleburg and his wife, Zinia, Ryan Mangleburg and his wife, Megan, and Ginny Hunter; and his great-granddaughter, Zoe Mangleburg.

Funeral services were held in Colonial Beach on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at Oconee Hill Cemetery, 297 Cemetery St., Athens. A reception will follow the service in The Sexton’s House at the cemetery.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.