Robert Thurman Stanley, 68

FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Robert Thurman Stanley of Federalsburg passed away Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, after a long journey with prostate cancer. He was 68.

Mr. Stanley was born April 3, 1939, in Bridgeville, Del., son of the late Walter T. and Catherine (Grinnage) Stanley of Laurel, Del.

He was a native of Laurel, where he spent most of his adult life before moving to Bridgeville in the early 1970s. From the early 1980s until his death, he established his permanent residency in Federalsburg.

For 47 years, Mr. Stanley was the beloved husband of Marie Jane (Oney) Stanley. They were both members of St. John"s A.M.E. Zion Church, Laurel.

Mr. Stanley, who attended Laurel Public High School, was a multi-talented person with an ability to repair anything his hands touched.

Throughout his life he amassed the skills of many professions: farmer, carpenter, auto body repair person, truck driver and gifted auto mechanic.

Mr. Stanley, even while in high school, loved cars and the challenge of repairing any automotive problem. He spent many years repairing cars for anyone who asked. As a special hobby, he enjoyed rebuilding engines for the purpose of racing.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Stanley attended numerous automotive schools and acquired many certificates and certifications.

He enjoyed the serenity of being on his boat fishing, helping others with life"s ups and downs, or being surrounded by his brothers.

As a second career, Mr. Stanley turned to truck driving. He enjoyed the tranquility of driving "Old Purple," his dump truck.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Stanley.

Mr. Stanley was the beloved father of four surviving children, Dr. Robert A. Stanley and his wife Sharon of Naperville, Ill., Wandoria C. Dorsey and her husband Robert of Salisbury, Retta M. Stanley of Dover, Del., and LoRetta A. Stanley, also of Dover; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; his siblings, Charles Stanley of Bridgeville, Carl Lee Stanley and his wife Florence of Laurel, Joseph M. Stanley and his wife Thelma of Laurel, and Marian Kellam and her husband Jonathan of Laurel; many nieces, nephews and family members, including a mother-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; as well as a host of friends and co-workers from the community and trucking industry.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at St. John"s A.M.E. Zion Church in Laurel, near Ross" Point, where friends may call two hours prior.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family suggests that gifts and donations be made to Framptom Funeral Home, 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, MD 21632; or National Prostate Cancer Coalition, 1154 Fifteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20005.