Charles W. Stantz's Obituary
Charles (Charlie) William Stantz was born to Helen G. (Wright) Stantz and Marvin C. Stantz on December 24, 1937. Charlie was born in a town called Sullivan, Indiana. He was the middle child of five siblings. From a young age, Charlie has many memories of the kindness his family received from their church home. His Christian values deepened as he continued to grow. Charlie’s Dad introduced to him basketball at a young age and it became his ultimate hobby. He would later in life combine his Mom’s Quaker expression of faith “let your life preach” and the love of basketball his Dad introduced him to into an amazing ministry. Even as a youngster, Charlie had a way about him. He was the original energizer bunny and was able to direct and lead without hesitation.
In 1964, Charlie visited his Aunt and Uncle and attended their church with them on Sunday morning. Charlie’s Uncle introduced him to his future bride, Ellen M. Norwood, that day. On his way home, he was thinking out about the lovely Ellen, not watching his speed and was quickly pulled over and given a speeding ticket. This required Charlie to return back to visit his Aunt and Uncle to pay the ticket, allowing his Uncle to continue to play matchmaker. Charlie many times when recounting this story would tell the listener that he had been paying for that speeding ticket ever since then. In 1965, Charlie and Ellen were married. Charlie remembers the first disagreement that they had not long after they were married. Ellen had mentioned that a piano would be nice to have and he surprised her by buying a piano, which they really couldn’t afford. At this time, Charlie thought he had a calling to the ministry. He was a Deacon in the United Methodist Church and had churches that he preached at in Indiana. Charlie then realized he was meant for something else, which led him into the trust business. He still continued to stay active in the youth ministries of the church he attended. The youth were very important to him and he wanted to make sure they were given every opportunity to have positive outlets and good Christian examples.
In 1969, Charlie and Ellen made the decision to relocate to Florida. First they moved to central Florida, until Charlie decided that if he was going to live in Florida he wanted to see Palm trees, then the move was made to the Clearwater/Largo area. By this time, they had two children, Ron Stantz and Tammy Stantz. Charles came to the area to take a role as a Trust Officer for Southeast Bank. Later, he moved to Bank of Indian Rocks to start a trust department, which was something he had always wanted to try. After Indian Rocks Bank was purchased, Charlie moved onto Sun Bank, as a Trust New Business Officer. He then moved to SouthTrust as a Trust New Business Officer. Charlie ended his career as a Trust New Business Officer at Raymond James Trust. At every one of these institutions, Charlie set the bar very high for himself. He was driven at everything he did and had a competitive nature
The Clearwater/Largo area is where Charlie became active in the Runners Club. He was an avid runner and his daughter would often follow him on her bike when he would go out for his run. Charlie was the race director for the Turkey Trot for 13 years and he made sure his family all had parts to play in the production of the race each year. Then his most amazing ministry began at the establishment of the Christian Life Enrichment Center at St. Paul United Methodist Church. A basketball program that can’t be matched because there is only one Charlie Stantz. Everything his parents instilled in him growing up allowed him to impact many lives in his 25 years as the Director of the Basketball program at St. Paul United Methodist Church. His positive reach is immeasurable as everyone he positively impacted will continue to pay it forward to the next generation.
Charlie treasured his family. His grandchildren, Zachary Stantz and Hannah Stantz, were two of his favorite topics of discussion. He loved the time spent together as a family and would go out of his way to make those times special for the kids. Charlie wishes for our family “continued life with Christ as the center of all our lives here on earth and someday everyone will be together in heaven”.
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