Stanley Livingston Vinson

Stanley L. Vinson (1918 - 2004) Stanley Livingston Vinson, Jr. departed this life on June 6, at 85 years of age. He died of natural causes after several years of declining health. Mr. Vinson arrived in this world on July 22, 1918 in Steiner, Bosque County, as the first-born son of Velma Pallmeyer Vinson and Stanley L. Vinson Sr., a Texas railroad stationmaster. Stanley's early years were spent in various railway towns as the lines were extended into West Texas. Many of the values and principles that guided him throughout his life were formulated during this period. The typical West Texas traits--Independent spirit, love of family, fear of God, commitment to country, possessing a strong will and straightforward honesty -- were all part of his persona. He was also a member of Highland Village Church of Christ. He graduated from Mexia High School at age 15 and, subsequently, joined the Navy, where he earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy through competitive exam. He served as an Naval officer through WW II. Following the war, he joined Sperry Gyroscope in NY before electing to return to Texas to rear his family. During the 1950's, he partnered with T.R. Putnam, his father-in-law, in various farming, ranching and retail endeavors in Lueders, Texas. The 1960's, saw further career change. Having completed an Accounting degree with honors from the University of Texas (Austin), he became the Finance Controller for a petroleum company in Abilene. The company was, subsequently, purchased by Occidental Petroleum (Calif). Rather than leave Texas, he chose to accept a management position with the federal government, where he remained until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Vinson loved the competitive challenges found in sports and games. He liked to fish, played golf & tennis, and spent countless hours watching pro and college sports. Additionally, he played a mean game of dominoes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Julia Maurese Putnam Vinson in 1998. He is survived by his children, Susan Vinson Shiever and husband, Jerry (Austin), Stephen Vinson (Lueders), Sam Vinson and wife, Diane (Belton), and Stacey Vinson (Pa) and siblings: Murray Vinson (Oregon) and Peggy Vinson Biggers (Fort Worth). The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Hospice Austin, Drs. Collier, Netaji and Griffiths and their staffs. We also want to thank the staff and caregivers of Arden Courts for their wonderful loving care and support and the many caregivers over the last few years. Funeral services will be at 11am with visitation at 10, Thursday, June 10, at Weed Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin with burial following at Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 or your local Church of Christ. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 512/452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com