Stanley Wilford Everett

We called him Uncle Stan but he was really more of a Father to all of us. And although I wish to honor Stan here, you can't talk about Stan without talking about Annette: they were a constant, a united team. The first time I remember them distinctly is when we had just moved to Cincinnati and they invited us over for dinner. They had this weird chili that they inferred we would put over spaghetti noodles then top with cheddar cheese? Oh come on, Stan said, give it a try! Well, as usual, he was right. Turned out to be our favorite even to this day! They embraced our family and from that day on, there was no turning back! I remember ALL of our road trips together- to Chicago, Washington DC, Virginia, Indiana Dunes, EFY, etc etc etc. More than I can name. I always chose to escape my family and ride in the Everett van. Stan and Annette would sit at the front, singing and harmonizing together with songs on the radio, tapes, whatever. They were looking at each other and smiling. They were always so happy together. Stan would play us tapes of Army drum and bass corps and we loved it. We stayed in military barracks and ate at the mess hall and Stan was in 7th heaven. These are some of the best chefs you'll ever eat from, he said. Tell them what you want and they'll make it. He was, as always, so right. We had such fun staying in the barracks at Ft Belvoir and others on these trips. When Jamie and I needed a break from the rest of the massive "Cardon-Hanna-Everett" family, Stan would say, Come on! And take us, into the car, and drive away. To get a treat, or to the market or anywhere. He could always read us. He always SAW us. He always gave us whatever we needed, no questions asked. He did that with everyone. So did Annette. They were a united team. They were so unfaltering in their love and support of their children and their family and friends. Our cat had a litter of kittens and the Everett kids wanted one and of course, Stan said, no way are we getting a cat! A week later, when in his favorite recliner in the family room, Stan would pound his chest, DC (dumb cat, named by Stan) would jump up on him and snuggle down with him. There was no question who DC belonged to! Jamie and I were obsessed at one point, with the movie Steel Magnolias. We were talking about it after our millionth time watching it, reciting it word for word, and we commented that we didn't think Julia Roberts husband in the film was that handsome and why didn't they pick a hotter guy??? We hear a booming voice from the family room recliner, You nitwits!!!! The movie is about the women and the bond they have, they don't want the guy overshadowing it, Jeez! Wow, we didn't know he was even paying attention! But that was Stan, paying attention to everything at all times, analyzing it perfectly, and seeing the humanity in everything. Stan and Annette, throughout my entire life, including now, have always shown unconditional love and support to their family and their friends. They only ever loved me, no matter what I did or what the circumstances. They always told me how much they love me, support me, and how proud they are of me. They have meant more to me than any other parent figure in my life and for their love and kindness and example, I am so lucky and am forever thankful. I don't know how the world goes on without Stan Everett. He is the best, ever, and we will all feel his void and miss him every day. We are all who we are today and better for it, because of him.