Stanley David Nesmith

Stanley David Nesmith January 3, 1923 - February 12, 2011 Stanley David Nesmith, 88, of Waco, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011, at his residence. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 16, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Paul Krupica officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 15, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Stanley was born January 3, 1923, in Beaumont, Texas, to Stanley David and Willie Eugenia Monroe Nesmith. He grew up in Beaumont and attended Lamar Junior College, U.C. Berkley, Calif., and graduated Baylor University in 1950 with a degree in chemistry. He married his sweetheart, Hazel Kilstrom Nesmith, on August 21, 1948. The couple had two sons, David and Howard. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Stanley worked in the petrochemical industry as a chemist and was instrumental in the development of polyethylene plastic for 33 years. Upon his retirement, Stanley served as manager of the Waco Skeet and Gun Club. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, member of Waco Masonic Lodge No. 92 A.F. & A.M., and past Worthy Patron McLennan Chapter #639 Order of the Eastern Star. Stanley was also an Eagle Scout and life member of the Boy Scouts of America. Up until his death, he served as church representative to Boy Scout Troop # 806 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 56 years, Hazel; and two sisters. He is survived by his sons, David Joseph Nesmith of Kyle, TX, and William Howard Nesmith and wife, Cindy, of North Little Rock, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Keri Rose Russell and husband, Steven, and Cassie Joan Nesmith, all of North Little Rock; his sister-in-law and care provider, Wanda Kilstrom, of Waco; three nieces and one nephew; and his beloved canine daughter, Sahwartze sawatza. Honorary pallbearers are Boy Scout Troop #806. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Providence Hospice of Waco, and especially home caregivers, Leta, Shirley, Charlie and Amanda. Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Waco, or to St. Matthew Lutheran Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.