Thomas Stanton's Obituary
Major (retired) Thomas Stanton
United States Army, JAGC
Thomas “Tom” Stanton, of Dallas, died peacefully at home on September 13, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children, after a long battle with cancer.
Born April 23, 1950, in Johnstown, PA, Tom was the son of the late Mary and Thomas Patrick Stanton. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Norma. Together they built a life that focused on faith, family, and sometimes football - especially when the Steelers were involved.
A hard worker all his life, his work life spanned from summer work at Bethlehem Steel as a teenager until earlier this month when he had to end his work with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas due to illness. He studied at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1975. He was admitted to practice law in Texas and Pennsylvania.
After completing the 80th Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps Office Basic Class (March 1976), he served with distinction in the Army’s JAG Corps. He later completed the JAGC Officer Advanced Course. Active duty sent him to Texas, where he met his future wife, Norma, while working at the Corpus Christi Army Depot. After leaving active duty, he served in the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Major on his 60th birthday on April 23, 2010. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Parachutist Badge.
His career included working for the Office of Special Counsel, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service, where he practiced employment law. He finished his career at Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, shifting his focus to family law. He took pride in the fact that he ended his career helping those who needed his help the most.
Tom was a lifelong Lutheran and served and supported his church communities over many years. He loved faith formation and was blessed to support his namesake and grandson Tommy as he was confirmed this past May.
Tom is also survived by his son Jimmy Stanton of Austin, TX; daughter Marianne Case of Richardson, TX; and son Billy Stanton (Hayley) of Edmond, OK. His favorite role was that of Papa and Big Grandpa, and he was adored by his grandchildren Tommy Case and Brooklyn and Brittyn Stanton. In addition, he is survived by his sister Debbie Mardis (Dan), brother Tim Stanton (Katy), and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
“Never underestimate how much one person can touch the lives of others. The difference you have made will continue to shine!”
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225. Interment with military honors will follow at Restland Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School.
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