With heavy yet grateful hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of John Thomas Stanley, who departed this world on July 3, 2026, in Evanston, Wyoming. John was born on May 7, 1938, in Randolph, Utah, to Thomas Blaine Stanley and Jean Rex Stanley. Throughout his eighty-eight years, John was a pillar of strength, kindness, and warmth—a man whose presence was a blessing to all who knew him.

From his earliest days, John embodied a spirit of determination and industriousness. By age ten, he was already tending the fields as a hay raker, laying the foundations for a life of hard work and practical wisdom. As he grew, his hands knew the wheel and the open road; he became a truck driver while still in high school, and later joined a road construction crew, shaping the world around him and learning the value of dedication.

John married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Dean on October 17, 1958 in Evanston, Wy.   They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 29, 1972.  During their 67 1/2 year marriage they were blessed with 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. To those grand and great grand grandchildren he was affectionately called “Pop”. 

In the 1960s, John contributed his talents at Thiokol, further diversifying his rich career. However, perhaps one of his most recognizable roles was as a Wonder Bread route driver, a position he proudly held from 1964 to 1987. His friendly wave and familiar smile became a welcome sight to many throughout the years. Not one to rest, John turned his mechanical genius into work as a mechanic from 1979 through 1993, always ready to fix and repair anything, often for friends or family in need. Into the late 1990s and well into his later years, John found joy and freedom behind the wheel as a semi-truck driver, continuing to serve the needs of others until 2012.

John’s life was richly colored beyond his work. He was a craftsman and a creator, finding tranquility and purpose in woodworking, welding, and fabrication. Whether building trailers, mending what was broken, or breathing new life into old things, his hands never ceased to bring beauty and function to the world. A lover of the outdoors, John found his peace in gardening, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, and snowmobiling. These were more than hobbies—they were expressions of a man who cherished the land and the simple joys it brought.

Yet, what truly defined John was the unwavering love he bestowed upon his family. Few could match the devotion he had for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in helping to raise many of them, sharing laughter, support, and lessons that will echo for generations. Family time was sacred—whether gathered together at home or journeying great distances to visit relatives, John showed that love knows no boundaries.

Those closest to him remember him as a handyman, always willing to help out and genuinely enjoying any opportunity to joke around and brighten someone's day. He faced life's challenges with humility, resourcefulness, and a generous heart, always putting family first and reaching out to those in need.

John was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he held and cherished many roles and positions in the church, becoming a Bishop in 1993 and serving faithfully for 9 years. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Mae (Dean) Stanley. His daughters, Cami Mueller and Carrie (Randy) Miller, who were the twitch in their Father’s eye, along with the 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren who will forever cherish the memories and guidance provided by their Father and Pop.

He is mourned and remembered alongside those dear ones who have gone before him: his parents, Thomas Blaine and Jean Rex Stanley; daughters Cathy Mae Jones and Cherilyn Hansen; granddaughter Shaelyn Dorothy Hansen; grandsons Hunter John Hansen and Scott Thomas Mueller; one brother Michael Stanley; his parents-in-law, DeWayne O Dean and Helen Brown Dean.

All who loved John are invited to gather for a graveside service on July 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Evanston City Cemetery, 526 County Road, Evanston, Wyoming. Together, we will honor a life well lived, a soul well loved, and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

May he rest in peace, remembered always for his steadfast love, his laughter, and the selfless way he gave of himself to others.