Myron E. "Mike" Stanton

Surrounded by his loving family, Myron “Mike” Stanton, 96, of Naples FL passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Bentley-Vi Assisted Living Residences. Born December 19, 1927 on a farm in Rockford, IL, Mike was a fraternal twin (6 minutes younger!) with the late Margret (Stanton) Fairhead. Directly out of high school in 1946, Mike enlisted in the US Marine Corp, expecting to enter WWII. He trained as an airplane mechanic and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC. The following year, he was honorably discharged but called back up in 1950 for the Korean War. Mike chose the Naval Cadet Program and served 4 years active duty and 8 years in the reserves as a designated Naval Aviator. He flew an AD Skyraider on 48 missions from January to July 1953 as part of Task Force 77 aboard the USS Princeton, serving as the Commanding Officer’s wingman. Mike was discharged as LTJG and entered business school in 1955 at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. While attending a football game, he caught the eye of a pretty girl and bummed a cigarette. That led to a wonderful, 62-year marriage which spanned half the globe, as they raised a family of four in three countries. Mike completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Chicago, then embarked on a 43-year career beginning as an intern and ending as the Vice President of Planning and Development for Sperry Rand (later Unisys, then Burroughs.) He subsequently purchased a multi-state, 12-color printing corporation which he led as President before retiring to Bonita Bay and later residing at Bentley-Vi with Ann, until her passing in 2020. Mike engaged in many community activities representing veterans, thoroughly enjoyed golf, art classes, evenings at Naples Artis and managing the volunteers at the facility’s thrift store. He was a long-standing active parishioner at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, and everyone who knew him will remember how he’d reached into his pocket for butterscotch candies as he greeted you. Mike is survived by his loving children, John Stanton of Alexandria, VA, Sarah (Scott) Andre of Bonita Springs, FL, David (Mary) Stanton of The Woodlands, TX, and Margaret (Hugh) Reid of Griffin GA, and his cherished granddaughter, Kelly Ann Reid of Columbia, SC. A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike’s name may be made to BCAN.org (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.) Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978

Myron E. "Mike" Stanton

December 19, 1927 - August 1, 2024