Jack Wayne Stanford of Brownwood, while surrounded by his family, went home to be with his Savior on April 21,2023.
Jack was the third of four boys of Truett and Mildred Stanford. Born December 21, 1935 in Eldorado, Texas, Jack grew up on a ranch with his family in Eldorado. He worked hard on the ranch and decided ranch life was not for him. After graduating from Eldorado High School, Jack enrolled at Baylor University in Waco. When he was home one summer, he met Gilda. Her family had just moved to Eldorado while she was a student at Baylor. They were married December 20, 1958. Jack graduated with a degree in Geology from Baylor in 1958 and started working for Baroid in Wichita Falls. While there, he started taking Biology courses at Midwestern University and then teaching science in Henrietta, Texas and high school Biology at Wichita Falls High School. Later he would receive a Masters degree from Texas Tech University and then his Doctorate from Oklahoma State University.
Jack started teaching Biology at Howard Payne University in 1966. He had a love for plants that he instilled in his students. An expert on the plants and flora of Texas, students recall how Jack would connect in the classroom. He led countless field trips for students to collect plants. Jack loved each of his students as his own and his interaction and love was felt outside of the classroom. Students were invited into his home over the years. After graduation and up until his death, Jack continued to interact with many of his students. He was still offering encouragement and wisdom all these years later.
After Jack retired in 2000, he focused on his woodworking hobby, spending hours in his workshop on different projects. Jack would often have former students, colleagues and friends join him in his workshop. He kept a log of his projects that exceeded 500 since 2009. His final project was completed for a good friend a few days before his death. Also during his retirement, Jack continued to lead local wildflower trips each spring. He shared his love of plants and wildflowers with Gilda.
In addition to his woodworking after retirement, Jack was a devoted grandfather. He was lovingly referred to as Papa Jack. Jack had 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. He loved keeping up with their activities and always had an encouraging word.
Jack joined First Baptist Church in 1966 with his membership continuing until his death. He and Gilda were active member of the Butler Sunday School Class for many years. The relationships formed through FBC have provided not only spiritual growth and encouragement, but also meaningful and lasting friendships.
The family would like to thank the many friends, former students and colleagues that have shared love and condolences these past few days. The stories and memories are a tribute to his influence on so many over the years.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Truett and Mildred Stanford, infant son Barry Alan Stanford and his two older brothers Albert (Sonny) and Truett Kent Stanford. Jack is survived by his wife Gilda of almost 65 years; brother, Joe and wife Dana of Fallbrook, CA; son David and wife Brandi of Bartonville, Texas; Steven and wife Kirsten of Rockwall, Texas; and six grandchildren: Ryan Stanford, Jason Stanford, Trevor Stanford, Lauren Stanford, Grayson Stanford and Jack Stanford.
The Stanford family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00. Services for Jack will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Brownwood. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Jack to the Jack Stanford Biology Scholarship, Howard Payne University, PO Box 2369, Brownwood, Texas 76804.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered online to the Stanford family at heartlandfuneralhome.net