It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Stanley E. Stack, age 69, of Belleville, Illinois, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. Born in Danville, Illinois, on Wednesday, March 2nd, 1955, Stanley was the son of the late Donald and Rita (Kramer) Stack. On August 16, 1975, he married Sharon Overturf and she survives.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sharon Stack of Belleville; his children: Gena Albert and husband Scott of Carbondale, Erin Cook and husband Ryan of Belleville, and Ryan Stack of Denver, Colorado. Stanley leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Eleanor and Amelia Cook and Eli River Albert, who brought immense joy to his life. His surviving siblings include two brothers, Jerome Stack and wife Jeanne of Kankakee, and Tom Stack of Mansfield, Texas; a loving sister, Theresa Oldham of Salem; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Stack of Danville, Patti Stack of St. Joseph, Judy Stack of Centralia, Donna Creditor of North Carolina, and Kathryn Rapp of Centralia. Stanley is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers – Joseph Stack, Dennis Stack, John Stack, and Mark Stack, and four sisters – Margaret Bedard, Barbara Boyd, Donna Stack, and Mary Stack.
Stanley spent his formative years in Centralia, where he graduated with the Centralia High School Class of 1973. He then graduated from Kaskaskia College and the University of Illinois, before beginning his career as an electrical engineer. He spent 42 years as a sales engineer before his retirement in 2019. In addition to his commitment to family and his work, Stanley had many lifelong friends from high school, college, and the various places he lived and worked throughout his life.
Stanley found joy and relaxation in his passions, which included golfing, hunting, and fishing with his brothers and friends. Stanley and Sharon enjoyed many wonderful trips together over the years, and he especially loved their beach vacations with their family and friends. He was a devoted supporter of Illini football and basketball, Centralia Orphans basketball, as well as the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals. His grandkids brought him great pleasure in the last twelve years, and he was so proud to watch them play, dance, and grow.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Stanley’s life at a visitation on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. A private graveside service will occur at a later date at the Knight Cemetery in Buckner, Illinois. In remembrance of Stanley’s life, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of their choice. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, are honored to be serving Stanley’s family. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page.
