Hi Teresa! I'm saddened by the news of Stan's passing away. I served our great nation with him on a deployment to Oman in 1997. He was one hell of a pilot and handled the Hercs 2nd to none. He crossed my mind this morning and I looked him up on the internet. Still can't believe it. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Thinking about Stan brings up many memories of the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron, and the significant role he played in its history. Stan was a superb officer and pilot with a gift for managing complex schedules and difficult people.  Some of my best memories of then Capt Masters were watching him cajole a more senior officer to take on a particular mission or task.  He knew how to work hard but have a good time doing it, making those around him smile with a touch of Southern humour in the tough times.  Here is the memory of Stan Masters, pilot, USAF, that I think is most typical.  He was in command of the plane, flying in the left seat, and I was standing up.  Although the airport we were landing at was quite busy, the temperature way hot, and the plane heavy, Stan requested an overhead.  He pitched midfield and smoothly pulled that old 130 around to a perfect downwind and rolled off to a turning final just as a 747 taxied up to hold short.  Working the crew throughout the pattern, he put the plane down just past the numbers and stopped so we could get off the runway quickly.  After we parked, I got out first and looked around just in time to see Stan step out of the crew door, a look of incredible confidence on his face as he took off his gloves.  He knew he had flown extremely well, knew he was doing exactly what he was supposed to be doing.  At that moment, as he so often did, Stan represented to me the best the U.S. Air Force has to offer.  That is the memory I will carry of Stan Masters. 
Col (ret) Robert N Boudreau
Commander, 37th TAS 1989-91

Sad to hear. I flew with Stan in the 50th as a young FE. I can say without a doubt, I've never flown with any other pilot that was as comfortable or confident at the controls of the Herk as Stan.

Echo Brandon's comments; we were baby evaluator's under Stan's care at the 5-0. Miss his easyging demeanor and unparalleled flying skills. Miss the literal bread of knowledge before each flight. His family and our country have lost a man that defined husband, officer, father, warrior-pilot. Proud that his legacy will live on in the folks he trained and the family left behind.

As a foreign student ,i had the previlege to be Stan classmate,not in the same section, in class 84-06 at Columbus.Never saw him since.I will never forget his smile,his joy to live,specially on friday and saturday nights at Bonnie and Clyde, dancing and spreading his joy to our entire group.I am very sad.RIP big boy Stanley.
Mario

In the short period of time I was privileged to cross paths with Stan, I learned about a man who defined what it meant to be a great father, husband and patriot.  Reading through this guest book only affirms the impact Stan had on so many lives...add me to that list.  I miss you bud...

The very best C-130 pilot I ever flew with... And what couldn't be made any better as a pilot was equally complimented by a great personality and true character.  We spent alot of time together while in the 50th at Little Rock.  Lunchtime at the gym, or flying the local routes at the Rock, TDYs to Pope, and deployments to the desert, but no matter the geographic location Stan Masters was always a solid, reliable, caring and fair man.  He was a mentor to so many of us just a little younger, and in his "big brother" manner, he led us all to be better than we were.  I laugh when I think about the fear and surprise he could create on the faces of young co-pilots when flying low-level routes across Arkansas... He was deadly with a stop watch and a compass... And then "Mamma" got him a watch which he applied to the same task, once again with supreme accuracy.  Our paths diverted after Little Rock, and I've been singing his praises for years.  I'm still in the Herk, but I can promise you there is no one flying that machine today who could do what Stan could do.  My thoughts and prayers are for all of you, the family he loved soo very much.  God bless and care for you.  I pray you might also be comforted some as you read through these notes left by soo many... Thanks for sharing Stan with the world.  We're all better for it.

I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Stan.  I had the opportunity to fly with him many times and it was always a pleasure. He was a memorable person and many times over the years his name has come up in conversations with people in the C130 community who had the pleasure of meeting him.  He will be remembered.

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great man. I only found out today. Stan and I arrived in the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Rhein-Main at about the same time and we were in the Gulf War together.  I was in the navigator side of the house and don't remember a lot of the pilots but Stan stands out in my mind, such was his personality. Very upbeat and a great guy all around as well as a superb pilot. I hope you take some small measure of comfort knowing what a positive impact Stan had on so many lives such as mine. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I only just heard of Stan's passing tonight.  I met Stan at Little Rock briefly before I left, but got to know him better on my many trips to Nellis - I always knew I'd find a smiling Stan in the AMC office - someone who spoke my language.  My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family and friends touched by this tremendous loss.  You are missed.

Shocked and saddened to hear this news. 

When the guys were deployed during Desert Storm, I asked Stan to keep my man safe. He did. He will always be a hero to me.

Stan was one of the best pilots we had in the 37th TAS at Rhein-Main AB Germany.... sad to see he pass... my heart felt sympathy's to the family. God Bless... your mission is now complete...carry on Sir. ~Ed Rodriguez, MSgt Retired FE

I just heard about Stan!  My prayers and condolences go out to the family!  I was on Stan's crew during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  I lost contact with him but he made a great impact in my life.  He will be missed....

So very sorry for the loss of a great man. Stan was a great pilot, awesome instructor and a great all-around person. He will be missed!

My husband and I worked with Stan, flying C-130s in the 50th at Little Rock; he was an amazing pilot, a great mentor, and friend.  I often think of him as he helped me through a tricky situation on a checkride; his wisdom and experience were evident and something I've strived to emulate.  We are so very, very sorry for your loss.  We are thinking of you, 

Katharine and Andrew Yingst,
Columbus, Mississippi

1Lt Masters was a favored T-37 IP in Bulls Flight while at at Reese AFB.  Stan had a personality!  Two-stepping at the Red Raiders Club, Friday night beers at the O'Club and BBQ brisket at his house for the Country Music Awards!  I'll always remember Stan Masters!

I met Stan in Fall 1982 when I began my junior year at USAFA and was assigned to Squadron 36, where he was a senior.  He was the Squadron Training Officer for the first semester and he selected me to be his Training Sergeant.  Stan and I had lots of talks about many things that year, mostly about things not related to the Academy.

He had such an easygoing style that seemed to mask his intensity and desire for excellence in all things.  I considered him an important friend and influence on me during my 21st year of life; he helped me mature a lot that year.

I'm sorry to all of your family and friends.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff Jansen
USAFA 1984, CS-36

Our hearts are broken tonight hearing the news of the loss of Stan. From the first day we met Stan and Teresa in chemo class beginning our battles together, we felt of your love and friendship. Your encouragement and strength lifted us through our hard times. Our hearts have been forever changed from knowing you, our deep rooted love for you and your family will carry on.

I am truely sorry for you loss.  I had the privilege of knowing Stan when we were stationed together in Little Rock.  He was a great man, pilot and teacher.  The Air Force and the C-130 community lost a dear friend and a great Pilot.  Many of us who knew and flew with Stan were mentored by by him along the way.  Because of that, many young officers and enlisted folks who never had the privilege of knowing or flying with Stan were the recipients of his wisdom and passion for life and his love of flying because we were able to pass it along.  He will forever live on in the
Herk world because of his passion and the lessons in both life and flying that he taught in is own personal way.  The "Hawlin' Hawgs" lost a great leader.

Teresa and family,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Stan. I got the chance to meet the two of you while sitting around the table in the chemotherapy infusion room. Looking through the entries, I can see what an exceptionaly man he was. While cancer may have taken him way too soon, it cannot take the legacy he leaves behind. While your fight has come to an end, ours still continues every two weeks.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.  I was so very sad to hear about Stan. He was such a wonderful man, officer and friend.  We'll miss him dearly.

Stan Masters was a great officer, and an outstanding friend. His wit combined with a positive approach made work a joy when he was around. I'll miss him. I know you are proud of him as the man, father, and husband you knew. He was the same honest, capable, pleasant person with everyone he met.

My dear, precious Sister, Cole, Tye, Drew and Chantz ...
Your loss is immeasurable, your grief seems endless ... My heart breaks for you as I struggle to find ways to help you get through this inconceivable time.  I loved Stan dearly, much more like a brother than brother-in-law.  He always took such great care of you and the kids, and I was immensely proud that he was part of our family.  I will cherish the times we spent together and am grateful that we were able to live near each other these past ten years.  I hope you all can find some comfort in knowing that I and my family will always be here for you and the kids to help you, watch over you, and love you ... you will never be alone.  You all mean the world to us.  Stan will forever remain in our hearts and memories.  Rest peacefully my cherished brother ... I love you and will miss you forever.

Our Sunday School class had the privilege of praying for Stan and his family.  After reading these entries it has helped to know a little more about Stan and how many people from all over the country were impacted by his life. It has been such blessing to read the tributes.  I look forward to meeting Stan someday in a place with no pain and no tears.  May God bless and comfort Stan's family and friends.

Teresa and Family,
Cowboy taught me a neat technique to tackle difficult climbs on our many bike rides.  He told me when I got out of the saddle to do a system of counts on my pedal down stroke . . . every fourth down stroke is 1, and he would have me do a series of 10, 20, 30, 40 of these counts.  What it does it breakdown a challenging climb into manageable segments.   It taught me not to look up at a large climb with dread, rather, try and assess how to manage the pain in quantifiable excursions.  Before long I was climbing faster and further than I have every ridden before . . . and at times I would become so focused on my counts I didn't notice the pain of the climb and often found myself at the top of the mountain without even realizing how long or hard I had worked.
As I watched Stan take on cancer, it was as though he were tackling one of our large climbs.  He appeared focused throughout.  He attacked each phase with a calm, strength and steady cadence.  He stayed focused on the things that were important to him and moved forward with determination of a championship athlete.  In the end, his work was not in vane . . . I'm sure the view from the top of the mountain is amazing.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  The Masters family will be in our thoughts and prayers.  I never got the opportunity to meet Stan but I love hearing Tim tell stories of the boys growing up together.

Teresa and Family,
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Stan's departure. His practical manner, sly humor and rock-solid confidence will be sorely missed in this world. Everytime I see a Volkswagen GTI I still remember him extolling it's virtues to all who would listen at Rhein Main! He certainly made a lot of our memories fun and we greive with you at his loss.

Teresa and her beautiful children,

My family has been in prayer for Stan's healing for sometime. We are at a loss of words, please accept our condolences and tears. Your sister Brenda, is a close friend of ours. We will continue to pray for your family.  God bless and keep you well!

Stan will be missed.  My heart goes out to you.

Tamra Rank (USAFA 83)

We're so sorry for your loss. I met Stan at Little Rock...solid guy. He'll be sorely missed.

Teresa and kids. Stan and I first met back in the '80s.  We were both AF pilots from the deep south (so we spoke the same 'language') and both of us had young families.  Stan was an exceptional pilot; the most calm and competent pilot I ever knew, a natural instructor and mentor for the younger pilots...and a great friend to me.  Stan had a habit of calling everybody 'son' when flying together.  "Here son, let me show you how its done."  I don't think I ever saw Stan get flustered no matter how difficult the situation.  He was always easygoing and confident.  When I spoke to him last he had no complaints despite his illness.  That's how Stan was...and that's how I remember him, confident and easygoing.  I am deeply saddened at Stan's passing yet glad that I had the honor of knowing your husband/father.

Dear Teresa,Tye and family
  So very sorry to hear of the loss of
your husband/dad. Please accept my
heartfelt condolences. If I can help
in any way let me know.
  Sincerely Dr. Fleming

Teresa Cole Tye Drew and Chantz
My family and I are deeply sorry for your loss.  Stan had such an awesome impact on me both personally and professionally. I continue to try and act they way he did towards his family, his job and his friends.  He truly was my hero as I am sure he was to you all.  I am honored to be Stan's friend.

I met LtCol Masters when he first was diagnosed with his illness...he was larger than life and gentle and matter of fact.  He relied on me to assist him and tell him the truth.  We fought some large battles and I remember when he finally realized he was "sick".  We had an instant understanding of one another that you find with few other people in your life.  He loved his family and wanted so much to stay with them.  I was honored to work for the Air Force and truly learn what heros were...I didn't understand.  I know now that Stanley was a hero for his country, his family and for me.  I am praying for blessings and peace for your family and for Stanley to be flying over us keeping us safe until we meet again....God Bless...Bridget  RN, CCM

To my loving uncle,
    I love you so much, and i just can't understand why someone so loving, strong, and generous could be taken from this world. I know you are watching over me and helping me find my way to better health. I love you so much and will always miss you. I'm so blessed to have lived close to you and got to spend time with you.

Dear Aunt Teresa, Cole, Tye, Drew, and Chantz,
   I love you all so much and can't imagine all the pain you are going through. Know that I am right here ready to hold your hand whenever you need it. Uncle Stan will live in our hearts forever.

I am so sorry for your loss. I went thru school and graduated with Stanley and now I attend church with his parents and consider them good friends. I will be praying for the whole family.

Teresa and Masters Family, I was very sad to hear of Stan's passing. Stan and I used to ride bikes at lunch together out at the base. I had no idea he was so sick. He was a true gentleman and friend. I will miss him. God speed. v/r Kent Costin

We are so sorry for your loss, but he was so lucky to have such a loving, strong family. You are in our prayers.

teresa and family  we are truly sorry for your loss. we will always be here for you as your friend and neighbor. Lou and Liliana Abreu

We are so truly sorry to hear of Stan's passing.  We will always remember him for his deep love for his family and quiet wisdom.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  

Scott, Cathy, Andrew and Cara Leonard

Teresa and Family,

I so sorry for your loss.  Stan was such a good husband and father and a kind person.  Although we ran into less and less throughout the years he was always in good spirits when we did and made you laugh.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.  Our hearts are breaking for your loss.  
Love Randy, Evelyn, Jordan, Alex and Randi Aguilar

Teresa and kids....I am so sorry for your loss.  Stan was the most amazing man on earth.  He will not be forgotten, and will always be remembered as a hero.  

I remember the day Teresa and Stan met in Lancaster when we were both Debutantes.  The minute they met they fell in love.  Stan was so dazzling in his USAF Academy uniform.  They were meant for eachother.

Your husband and father was an wonderful person and will be missed more than words cans say.

I love you all,
Laureen Hicks (Hubbard)

Dear Teresa and family, I am tremendously saddened by your loss.  Stan was always known as "Cowboy" to many cyclists in the Henderson area.  He was always a gentleman, with baby wipes and Clementine oranges for anybody who needed them, either before or after he rode away from us. I will remember those good times with Stan, and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Terasa and family,

I just heard the news and I am heartbroken. Stan and I were classmates at USAFA and in the same squadron our senior year. I remember Stan was the easy going guy that really put things into the proper perspective no matter how hard things seemed to be. With him untimely passing he once again puts life in the proper perspective for us --- he reminds us that life is precious and to really focus on the important things. He will be missed. Please accept my deepest condelences. You and your family will be in our prayers.

John Harris
USAFA 83 CS-36

Teresa,

I heard today about Stan...and the tears began.  I can't begin to express to you how affected I am tonight.  I haven't spoken with Stan in 20 years...but I knew him well at USAFA.  He is one of the few, "my" precious few, that went out of their way to help me academically when I was literally failing.  I was "just a classmate in need" but that's all he needed to know.

My heart goes out to you and your children...a great man is gone, but you're so blessed to have had him.

God Bless you all!!!

Steve Wood
USAFA 1983

So sorry for your loss. Only God will get you through this time,our prayers are with you and your entire family. I did not know Stanley but attend church with his parents.

Teresa and kids, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Stan's passing. in the short we shared the neighborhood it was obvious Stan was an old school dad and husband and good friend. I can still see him walking in the yard with his cowboy hat and shorts. You are in our prayers. Mark and Kaye Hollingsworth

There are no words only tears and our prayers through this difficult time. We were high school classmates and my family attends church with Stanley's mom and dad.

Teresa...my heart is broken for you and your family.  Joanne and I extend our deepest sympathy and all of our love to you.  I wish I had the words...  God Bless

Dear Teresa and family, I am deeply saddened by your loss.  Stan was a very special person to all who knew him and will be greatly missed.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Teresa and family, 

Stan and I were classmates and squadron mates as freshmen. I'll always remember what a great and funny guy he was and his friendship throughout our 4 years at USAFA.I am proud to have him as a friend and to have been part of his life. I know we will all miss him. 

John Farese
USAFA'83

i can still not believe the news! after the call the other night i started remembering all the great times we had! there are just too many to even begin to write about... i will say glyn and i are soo very thankful for each of you and our prays are with you each and everyday! love you, the vernons, glyn, jackie, hunter, and amelia

Teresa and children,
you dad was a fine example of what a parent, friend, and neighbor should be.
We are glad we had the chance to know him.

'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal'...Teresa, my dear friend I know it feels almost unbearable now but hopefully the thoughts of Stan's love for his family will help you get through this most difficult time..you are all in my prayers..and I pray the memory of his love will help soften some of your pain...
Love, LaVerne and Kenny

My heart and prayers go out to your family. Stan was quite a guy. I know you'll miss him. God Bless.

Dear Drew and Family,  We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Teresa my heart breaks for you and your family.I am so sorry to read of your loss.You are in my prayers.

Dearest Uncle,
At the loss of you, so many hearts hurt, and so many lives have been shaken. Life turns into a blur and we are left wondering why someone so strong, kind and loved has been stolen from this earth. At times like this I am left craving time with the family I feel so fortunate to have. I cannot iterate the amount of pride I feel to call you my uncle. I feel blessed to have known you, and know that throughout life's journeys, a memory of you will always reside deep within my heart. I love you and will miss you forever and will never be ready to say good bye. You touched so many hearts throughout your lifetime and will forever live on within those hearts and memories. Rest peacefully in heaven, free from pain and suffering, watching over all those who love and miss you immensely.


    "Do not stand at my grave and weep,
    I am not there; I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow,
    I am the diamond glints on snow,
    I am the sun on ripened grain,
    I am the gentle autumn rain.
    When you awaken in the morning's hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circling flight.
    I am the soft star-shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry,
    I am not there; I did not die. " -Mary Frye

Our hearts are with your family during this hard time. Know that you have a beautiful angel watching over you all. Stan will live on through the memories you all have created with him. All of our strength goes out to your family.

All of our love,
The McLaughlin Family

Our hearts break as we say goodbye.
With angel wings you take off and fly.
Watch over us now from up above.
You are always in our hearts full of memories and love. 
Why God took you from us we may never understand.
The strong can now rest; we love you Stan. 

There are no words to explain how much I will miss you.  I know you are here with us and I know that I will see you again.. May you soar in heaven, I love you my sweet Uncle.

OBITUARY

Lt. Col. Stanley Thomas Masters

April 24, 1961 – October 28, 2012

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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