Vincent Paul Stanley

Vincent Paul Stanley, affectionately known as “Papa,” was born on May 16, 1956 to the late Paul and Joan Stanley. He was the oldest of six siblings and a natural protector from the very beginning. 

Vincent attended Highland High School in North Highland, California, where he proudly played football as a free safety and third-string quarterback. He also had a love for music, playing the tuba in the school band. He graduated in 1974, and that same year, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. Vincent served honorably for over two decades, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant as a parachute rigger before his honorable discharge in 1997.

 In the year 2000, Vincent met the love of his life, Ida Mae. At the time, Ida had one daughter still at home, Ida Victoria “Vicki”. The three quickly became inseparable, building a bond grounded in love, laughter, and family. Vincent and Ida Mae were married in 2001 and shared a beautiful life together. 

Never one to stop growing, Vincent earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2003, a proud moment for him and his family.

 In 2007, he and Ida relocated to California so Vincent could spend meaningful time with his aging parents. Sadly, Ida Mae passed away in 2010, a loss that deeply impacted him. A few years later, in 2014, Vincent returned to Indianapolis to be close to his children and grandchildren. 

Vincent found joy in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and breathing in the fresh air. But above all, he loved spending time with his grandkids, who affectionately knew him as “Papa.” They were his heart, his joy, and his daily reason to keep fighting through health challenges. 

On June 21, 2025, Vincent peacefully departed this life at 1:57 a.m. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, we rejoice in knowing that as the sun rose, Vincent began a new day in the arms of his Heavenly Father. His journey didn’t end. It simply shifted to eternity. 

Vincent leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved stepchildren: Ida Victoria Anderson (Alan), Turkessa Guthrie, and Quintin Banks, Jr.; siblings: Kathy Sakach (Eric), Mary Luke (Brian), Tina Roberts (Mark), and Paul Stanley (Rahmana); his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and most importantly, his best friends in the whole wide world: Damon Anderson, Alan Anderson Jr., Ida Marie Anderson, and Noah Anderson, who brought joy and light into his life every single day. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Joan Stanley; brother, James Arthur; grandparents, Jody and Bertie Goad and Paul and Hazel Stanley; and his cherished niece, Amelia. 

Vincent’s legacy is one of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and unwavering love. We will miss his laughter, his wisdom, and the way he always showed up, not just with his presence, but with his whole heart.