Thomas L. Stanfield passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on April 2, 1949, in Abbeville, South Carolina, Thomas is the son of Thomas Franklin Stanfield and Erna (Winberg) Stanfield. He married Marjorie Patrick and they later divorced. On February 14, 1992 he married Lisa (Cody) Stanfield and she survives in Centralia.
Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he embarked on missions in Germany. It was during these years that he developed a lifelong passion for aviation and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. He eventually moved and lived in Costa Rica for several years and flew helicopters for a Tuna Ship in Central America. Thomas transitioned to a career as a bus driver for Centralia City Schools, dedicating five years to safely transporting students throughout the community he called home.
Remembered for his adventurous spirit, Thomas attended the Chapman School of Seamanship and was an avid sailor who cherished his time on the water. He had a great love for music, enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to his favorite artist, Jimmy Buffet and playing golf with friends. He also loved his Jaguar cars.
Thomas leaves behind his devoted wife, Lisa Stanfield, and their seven children: Thomas H. Stanfield, Jason Stanfield, Crystal Stanfield, Allison Chang, Dalton Stanfield, J. Lucas Stanfield, and Nathaniel Stanfield. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and a great-grandchild, who all brought immeasurable joy to his life. He is also survived by his cherished sisters, Patricia Wilson and Susan Stanfield, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Erna Stanfield, who instilled in him strong values and the importance of family, and three siblings: James Stanfield, Marilyn Cato and Mary Stanfield.
The family invites friends to celebrate Thomas’s life at a funeral service on Monday, June 1, at 1:00 PM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A visitation will be held prior from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Military honors will be rendered at the service, paying tribute to his dedicated service to our nation by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia VFW Post 2055.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Dementia Research, and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Thomas’s family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the funeral home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Thomas’s legacy will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and he will be dearly missed by all.
