Stanley Elwyn Middleton's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stanley Elwyn Middleton, who left this world peacefully on March 17, 2026 at the age of 82.
Born on October 11, 1943, in San Diego California, Stan lived a full life marked by hard work, strong opinions, and a deep love for God, our country, and his family. He was the only son of Elwyn and Belma Middleton and was predeceased by his parents, and his sister, LaDonna Middleton.
Stan graduated from Mt. Miguel High School in 1961 and shortly thereafter, married his high school sweetheart, Jean Cooley. Together they raised two daughters, Jana Middleton Slagle, and Kelly Middleton Wayne.
One of Stan’s first jobs was working for Ryan Aeronautics. He was proud of being part of building the lunar landing gear for NASA’s Apollo Program.
In 1969, Stan earned his Landscaping Contractor’s License and opened Green Meadows Landscaping.
Landscape design proved to be an area he was gifted at, which allowed him to use his creativity, analytical skills and knowledge of plants to create beautiful spaces for his clients. Many of his clients became friends throughout his life-time.
To relax, Stan often read western novels by Louis L’amour. He had always enjoyed western history and art. This led to his fascination with antique firearms, including pre and post civil war era. This interest and knowledge resulted in him opening an antique firearm business. The business allowed him to participate in many gun and antique shows throughout the nation.
Stan enjoyed meeting new people, making friends and talking about his relationship with God. He would say, “a gun can save you temporarily, but Jesus will save you for eternity.”
Stan later married, Cherrie Wheeler, whose children Matthew Wheeler and Lindsay Wheeler were part of his life. Stan took care of Cherrie until her passing in 2012.
For more than fifty years, Stan was a member of First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove, where he served as a deacon and taught Bible Classes. His faith was very important to him, and he wanted others to know the hope he found in Christ.
Stan loved the outdoors, and was an avid bird hunter and fisherman. He trained his Labrador Retrievers with patience and took pride in bird hunting with friends. He also had a sharp mind for details and a passion for his country and politics.
Stan is survived by his first wife, Jean Cooley, his daughters, Jana Slagle (husband Jon Slagle), Kelly Wayne (husband Dennis Wayne), his grandchildren: Tobey Townsley, Denny Wayne, Ryan Wayne, Jean-Luc Slagle (wife Haley Slagle), Joel Slagle, and his great-grandchildren: Brooke Townsley (partner Vince Dempsey), Jeffrie Townsley, (wife Lindsey Townsley), Quinn Goins and Rylo Slagle.
Stan was deeply loved. He worked hard, spoke his mind, and cared for his family in his own way. His greatest hope was that others would come to know the love of God through Jesus Christ.
John 14: 1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
A celebration of Stan’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove, 2910 Main Street, Lemon Grove, Ca 92045.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mission One Eleven, an organization close to his heart: https://www.missiononeeleven.com
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