Stanley Raymond Esterline

Stanley Raymond Esterline, age 80, died peacefully in his home on December 15, 2025. His loving wife, Gloria, children, Syn-D and Chris, and grandson, Benjamin were with him speaking words of love and reading scriptures as he entered into his eternal home. Stan was preceded in his death by his daughter, Karen Feher, and his parents, Raymond and Lillian Esterline. Stan is survived by his wife, Gloria, to whom he was married for 56 years, his daughter Syn-D Lazo, son, Christopher Esterline and wife Cindy, son in law, J Feher– His 7 grandchildren who he adored; Benjamin Lazo, Ellianna Feher, Ethan Lazo, Aaron Feher, Tyler Esterline, William Esterline, and Clara Esterline. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Park and husband Jerry, his sister, Ellen Larson and husband, Floyd, and his brother, David Esterline and wife Jane. As well as survived by his dear nieces, nephews, and in laws, Doris Walters, (MIL), Joyce (SIL) and husband Grady Russell who were family. Stanley or “Stan” as he was known by all his friends and loved ones, was born in Fullerton, California on June 19, 1945 to Raymond and Lillian Esterline. His mother, Lillian, passed away when he was 8 and his sisters and brother lived with their grandparents in Escalon, California for a period of time. He would then move to Felton, California with his siblings after his father remarried and called Felton home. Stan loved his Lord dearly and wanted the whole world to know of God’s love. As a young man he took countless mission trips to South and Central America, proclaiming the love of Christ. He learned to speak and sing in Spanish and even in the last weeks of life, used those skills with workers in his home. Beginning in 1992 and until “Covid” in 2020, he served on countless Emmaus teams as the Spiritual Director and expressed that those experiences changed his life forever. He was greatly loved by all in the Emmaus community, not just for his Godly wisdom and speaking, but for his delightful sense of humor and ability to weave it masterfully into his talks. Stan was a family man. He loved eating meals with his family, taking them to new places and exploring new things with them. He loved to use “drama” to tell them Bible stories. He loved his family. He was so very proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Stan loved the outdoors. He loved running, hiking and exploring new places. He loved backpacking the the Sierra mountains in California and had countless youth, men, and family retreats in the backwoods of Yosemite National Park. He loved “roadtrips” with his family and could not wait to explore a new location or just take a day trip somewhere. While stationed in Germany, he took soldiers on hiking trips through the Alps and loved the grandeur of the mountains there. He was excited to take a two week road trip with Joyce, his sister, and their family, and his ,through Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Years later, he and his brother, David, took a three week “walk” across England. Stan was a “life long learner”. He loved reading and learning as much as he could about life. He always had a book or a magazine in his hands. He graduated from Felton High School in 1963 and continued his education at Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA. In 1968 he graduated from San Jose State College and joined the Marine Corps. He was stationed at Selma, Alabama, where he earned his Air Force aviation wings. It was during this time he met his wife, Gloria, and they were married in Montgomery, Alabama. He then transferred to Cherry Point, NC where he transitioned into the F4 and earned his Naval aviation wings. Together, they were stationed in Cherry Point and later at Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, SC. He was a part of the Thunderbolt Squadron and flew training missions in Puerto Rico, Key West, FL, as well as other locations. He also served as an administrative office manager for a time. Upon leaving the Marine Corps in September of 1973 he enrolled in studies at Golden Gate Seminary in Mill Valley, CA. During his time there he worked part time at the local Safeway and was the associate pastor for youth and counseling at Trinity Community Church in San Rafael, CA. He graduated from Golden Gate Seminary in 1976. In 1978 he re-entered the military family as an Army Chaplain and was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA for three years. He was transferred to Schwäbisch Hall, Germany (Dolan Barracks) where he served an aviation unit for 3 years. Upon returning to the states he attended another school for chaplains for 6 months and where he then was selected to attend the Command General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS for a year. From July 1986-June of 1989 he served as the Chaplaincy Training Operations Manager at Fort Hood, TX. He provided training and oversight for 70 chaplains. His duties included field operations, counseling and pastoral care, preaching, and chapel programs. From July 1989-July 1991 he served at the Pentagon in Washington DC, as the staff officer for Army training policy. Those duties included being the policy advisor to the Chief of Chaplains, providing Pastoral Education, Director of multicultural awareness and Army Chaplain Family Life programs advisor. From July 1991-August 1995 he was the Pentagon Chaplain at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He provided individual and family counseling for Pentagon employees, conducted therapy group sessions for divorce and abuse survivors. He provided oversight for religious activities and regular Christian worship services. One of the highlights during this time was that he was able to spend two days with Billy Graham. At the same time, he was attending Marymount University in Arlington, VA and graduated in 1994 with a MA in Psychological Services/ Counseling. He retired from active duty service in August 1995 as a U. S. Army Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) with 23 years of service to our nation. He had countless hours of training in drug and alcohol abuse prevention, suicide prevention, grief training, clinical Pastoral Education, and Multi-cultural awareness. From January 1994-August 1995 he completed the 4,000 required supervised training hours to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. From September 1995-February 1997 he was the senior counselor at Youth for Tomorrow group home for at-risk adolescent boys, in Bristow, VA. Following that he establishing a private marriage and family counseling practice called Christian Life Counseling. Under that umbrella, and later Hope Hill Church, he was able to reach countless individuals and families with his wise and Godly counsel. Many would say to him, “You changed my life forever”, “You saved my life, I would not be here today without your counsel”, “You saved my marriage”. During the years from 2001-2005 he served at Ronald Reagan Airport as the airport Chaplain. According to the Washington Post he provided a “spiritual rest stop” for travelers of all faiths. He took special care to ensure that people were encouraged in the nature of their faith whatever it was. He provided counsel and support for the employees at the airport and was considered an important part of the administrative staff there as well. When 9/11 occurred, Stan was at the airport providing hands on ministry to the victims and families of American Airlines Flight 77. He also led a memorial service in the airport to honor all who were victims of this terrible national tragedy. In June of 2010, Stan’s middle child, Karen, went to be with the Lord. She was his running partner, together completing the Sun Trust Marathon in Richmond Virginia a few years prior. In August of that same year Stan received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. That diagnosis changed the trajectory of his life forever. He was a fighter and never gave up. He would say, “Hope springs eternal.” He participated in research in hopes that a cure could be found. He endured a Deep Brain Stimulation procedure. He traveled many times to Johns Hopkins until it seemed like a second home to him. The doctors were almost like family to him, giving him hope and encouragement. He did not want anyone else to endure the pain of Parkinson’s Disease. He was a brain donor at his passing. He did not stop his life because of Parkinson's Disease. As an aside, Parkinson’s Disease did not take him– A very aggressive cancer did. He and his wife, Gloria, had many trips together during the ensuing years. They traveled to Israel, Italy, Cabo San Lucas, Alaska, and Mexico. He took beach trips with Syn-D, Chris and their families. He visited friends and family in California and Alabama as often as he could. He enjoyed watching football with anyone who cared to join him. He enjoyed being part of the leadership teams for Emmaus, Prince of Peace UMC and Hope Hill Church. Even up to a few weeks before passing he was counseling folks on the phone and in his home office. He never gave up! He was a joy and an encouragement to many. Throughout his life he used his compassion for and kindness to others to change lives forever for the good. His Lord welcomed him into his eternal rest with, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Stan’s favorite scripture verse was Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Stan is safe in the arms of his strong tower today.

Stanley Raymond Esterline

June 19, 1945 - December 15, 2025