Stanley Crews, who lived a life built around friendships, family and special people, died at age 74 on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Born on June 24, 1950, Stan was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Richards; father, Stanley R. Crews; two brothers, Joe Cason and Keith Crews.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beth; daughter, Stacey Vazquez; son-in-law Michael Vazquez; grandsons Benjamin and Alexander Vazquez; Aunt Betty Hollis; brother Dale Crews; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Stan credited special people who shaped his life: Aunt Betty Hollis, Uncle Bud Crews, Drew Hughes, Virgil & Eleanor Ramage, Paul Richards, Bob & Betty Jo Moody and Charles Washington.

Stan believed it is not how you start your life, it is how you finish. It was a belief that was tested in the last months of his life as his heart began to fail. The man who enjoyed sharing a smile or a story with his Uber Eats customers could no longer work. However, he was buoyed by memories of lifelong friendships that he treasured. "Rex, Brother, Bill, Robert, Tom, Buck, William, Lou, Mel, Will, Deak, Gil and Ray," he said. "They know that I loved them."

After graduating from DeSoto High School in Arcadia, Stan built a career as a successful General Contractor. He made a brief foray into politics in the 1970s, becoming one of the youngest county commissioners ever elected in DeSoto County. As the years passed, Stan came to understand that how he lived his life was the important thing, along with his unshakeable faith at the end in his eternal life in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at Dry Prairie Baptist Church on Thursday, February 6th, at 1:00pm

Donations in memory of Stanley can be made to Samaritan's Purse:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/stanley-b-crews-tampa-fl/