Stanley R. Marr

Sept. 26, 1926-June 5, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Stanley R. Marr, 84, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Stanley was born Sept. 26, 1926, in Utica, Nebraska to Dewey and Ethel (Simonsen) Marr. Stanley graduated from Utica High School and attended two years of college at the University of Nebraska before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

He was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as a yeoman, working in the map department. He served aboard the U.S.S. Rizzi, a John C. Butler class destroyer. Stanley was honorably discharged in 1946 returning to the University of Nebraska where he graduated majoring in business administration.

Stanley married Sharon Redfern on June 25, 1949. They moved to York, Nebraska, where Stanley helped open the new Sears Roebuck store. Their son, Steven, was born in York.

The family moved to McCook, where their daughter, Tracey, was born. Stanley was general agent for Metropolitan Life for five years then became general agent for Ohio National Life Insurance Co. until his retirement in 1998.

Stanley was a member of the Elks and the VFW for many years.

Stanley was involved in many local projects. He helped organize the United Fund Drive to raise money for the renovation of the old YMCA built in 1925.

Another local project Stanley was involved in was the drive to raise money to bring a new hospital to fruition. The new Community Hospital was dedicated in 1974.

Stanley was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed time spent at his cabin with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Sharon; son, Steven Marr and wife, Diane of McCook; daughter, Tracey (Marr) Ruiz and husband, Joe of Denton, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Michelle and husband, Justin Vavra of Omaha, Nebraska, Lindsay and husband, Ben Webb of McCook, Chris Ruiz and wife, Andrea of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Nick Ruiz of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren, Ellison and Hudson Vavra of Omaha; and his many friends.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Ethel Marr of Utica.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.

Funeral services are at Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Burial is in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is Thursday from 1--8 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 4--6 p.m.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.