The Daries family mourns the loss of their much loved patriarch, Stanton Gordon Daries, Colonel USAF Retired, who passed away Monday evening, November 3, 2014 at the age of 90, having just celebrated 70 years of marriage to Virginia.
On June 4, 1924 Stanton Daries was born in Castaic, California. As a young man he hiked, explored and camped in the Sierras, where he learned to love the mountains and the natural beauty of the outdoors. In high school and college he was a accomplished gymnast, achieving all-state status. In 1944, after two years in college, he joined the military and on October 14, Stant married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Gray. During World War II, he was a pilot in the US Army Air Force – initially as a flight instructor in the famous “Black Widow” P-61 Nightfighter. His 30 year career as an Air Force officer culminated in his position as commander of 14th Aerospace Command and included among many other honors and professional credits “The Legion of Merit” award with Oak Leaf cluster.
During his military career, tours of duty included: California, England, Japan, Belgium, Alabama (Air Force War College), Washington DC, Greenland, and once again Colorado Springs where he retired from the Air Force in 1974. Later, in the private sector, he retired after ten years with ITT Federal Services. Then he participated in the creation of Space Mark, Inc., a successful defense contract services company. Retirement brought the added joy of being able to spend more time with Ginny, to visit his family across the US, and more time for friends and golf. In his mid 80’s, he hit a hole-in-one at the Broadmoor Golf Club.
Stant and Ginny’s love for each other provided a loving home for their seven children. Known as a man of integrity and intellect he always put family first, being always friendly, helpful and honest. These qualities endeared him to his many loyal friends throughout his life. These close friends now grieve with the family. A devoted husband, father, son and brother, Stanton Daries will continue to be an inspiration to his children, 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren and his most loyal and loving companion, his wife Virginia. Survived by six of his children: Pamela (Bill) Dunne, Cindy (Bob) Bills, Mike (Georgia) Daries, Greg Daries, Cecilia (Randy) Will and Michelle Decker. He is preceded in death by their beloved son, Stephen Daries.
The funeral will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, November 15, at 11 am. Reception immediately following.