Elder Robert S. Stanon

CAMBRIDGE - Elder Robert S. Stanton passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge.

He was born on Oct. 17, 1945, in Trappe the third of six children born to the late Lester Stanton Sr. and Edna Louise Wilson. Two brothers, Leroy Stanton and Raymond Young, preceded him in death.

Elder Stanton was educated in the public schools of Talbot County. He graduated in 1964 from the Robert Russia Moton High Scbool. After graduation Elder Stanton enlisted in the military of which he served three years. During his tenure in the military he obtained the rank of Sergeant Stanton.

In May of 1981 Elder Stanton was joined in holy matrimony to Cynthia Doraine Stanley.

Elder Stanton was known to implement many occupations during his life: he worked for the town of Easton, as a municipal utility employee; Caldwell Casting, Wire Cloth, master caterer for various catering companies, entrepreneur of his own window cleaning service, and security guard at Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge.

In 1982 Elder Stanton became a Christian and was baptized. Shortly thereafter he joined Center Street Church of God, now known as Refuge Temple Church of God. In 1983 he was ordained as a deacon in the church. In 1985 he enrolled in leadership classes and proceeded to become a Sunday school teacher of the adult class, and also served as assistant clerk to the personnel office of the ministry. In 2002 Elder Stanton enrolled in the Ministerial Intern Program; during the year of 2002 he also was afforded the privilege of becoming an Elder.

Numerous accolades and recognitions have been bestowed upon Elder Stanton. He served with his wife, side by side, in ministry assisting to move the ministry to another dimension. Elder Stanton"s attributes in ministry were recognized in the State of Maryland as well as internationally.

Among those surviving him are: his wife, Pastor Cynthia D. Stanton; four children, Sherenna Blackwell, Robert A. Purnell (Jamie), Rosalind D. Roberts, Michael C. Wheatley (Melinda); three sisters, Consola Johns, Harriet Chase (Robert), Linda Walker (James); two brothers, Lester Stanton (Ruth), Theodore Copper; two sisters-in-law, Shirley A. Stanley (Charles), Portia S. Wheatley (Gordon); three brothers-in-law, Melvin A. Stanley (Evelyn), Dennis L. Stanley, Lorenzo (Tony) Stanley; two aunts, Lillian Wilson and Nannie Lane; 11 grandchildren; four godchildren, Randolph Meekins, Nakeyia Rhodes, Otika Gibbs, Trina Baylor; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the Refuge Temple COGIC in Cambridge, where friends may call two hours prior to the service and on Friday, from 6-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in the Maryland Veterans" Cemetery, Beulah at 9 a.m. on Monday.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bennie Smith Funeral Home in Cambridge.