Stanley C. Stanley, 74, a Katy area business owner who had  an elementary school named after him, died March 29.

Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey informed parents, staff and community members March 30 via email that Stanley died from natural causes. He was born Nov. 3, 1941.

“Mr. Stanley’s service to the district and community was invaluable, and he will be greatly missed,” Frailey said.

Stanley C. Stanley was heavily involved in the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.[/caption]

Stanley was a school volunteer and mentor who was heavily involved with many  different KISD programs, including Junior Achievement, Walk a Mile in My Shoes, Promise to Read and Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success (KEYS), Frailey said.

Stanley owned Stanley Signature Home Signs, which designs and constructs signage and graphics for businesses.

Stanley C. Stanley Elementary School opened in 2009. Katy ISD hosted a Celebration of Life event in honor of Stanley, on April 3, at the elementary school. Hundreds of people were in attendance for the event.

“For a school to be named after someone, they have to have a significant impact on the community,” KISD trustee Joe Adams said. “He deserved the recognition and I couldn’t think of a better person for a school to be named after.”

Adams, who said he knew Stanley for the 27 years he was on the school board, said Stanley was a thoughtful person and “true gentleman.”

“He had the patience of Job and would take the time to listen to people and talk to people,” Adams said.

KISD trustee Rebecca Fox also spoke fondly of Stanley saying he was known for not only his dedication to the community, but also for writing notes and letters.

He made people feel special—like they were the only one in a room, Fox said.

“He had a way of making people feel valued and appreciated,” she said.

Stanley and his wife, Patsy Stanley, have lived in the Katy community for nearly 40 years, and have three children and four grandchildren, Frailey said.

“We’re going to have an empty spot without him,” Adams said.

Stanley was a former chairman of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the founding chairman of the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s board of governors.

He was this year’s vice chairman of field operations of the Sam Houston Area Council for the Boy Scouts of America.

Stanley and his wife Patsy volunteered their time for a multitude of local causes.[/caption]

“A man of faith, Stan exhibited the highest levels of integrity and character in all of his personal and professional activities and will be greatly missed by members of our council, and many other organizations in the Katy area that benefited from his guidance and leadership,” said Woody Mann, KAEDC chairman of the board.

Throughout his time on the KAEDC, he held many leadership roles, including several roles as chairman and membership in the KAEDC’s committees and task forces.

“He was always positive, uplifting and energetic in his demeanor, which was an important characteristic for leadership of the EDC,” KAEDC President and CEO Lance LaCour said.

LaCour said despite the entire Katy area not having a mayor, that is how he thought of Stanley: as mayor emeritus.

“He brought out the best in people, inspired them to do their best and was the Katy area’s statesman and best ambassador. We will miss him greatly,” LaCour said.