Arthur Leroy “Red” Stamand, 96, of Osceola, Iowa, passed away March 2, 2021, at the Northdale Rehabilitation Center in Tampa, Florida.
Red was born Jan. 9, 1925, in New London, Connecticut, to parents Ruth Veronica Hubbard Stamand and Elroy Arthur Stamand. He had one sister, Ruth Marie Stamand.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elroy Arthur Stamand (1970) and Ruth Veronica Hubbard Stamand (1968), infant son Michael James Stamand (1946), sister Ruth Marie Stamand (1976) and his wife Cora Mae Lynch Stamand (2000).
Red and Cora Mae were married for 54 years and had four children: Susan L. Allen (Charles) of Tampa, Florida, Kathleen Madden Searra (Tristan) of Dawsonville, Georgia, Mark L. Stamand (Patricia) of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Todd James Stamand (Lori) of Tampa, Florida.
He has eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Red grew up in New London, Connecticut. He enlisted in the US Navy in December 1942 and served during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific. He met Cora Mae while completing Naval Training School (Radio) at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. They married in 1944 and upon discharge from the Navy, moved to Mason City, Iowa where Cora Mae was born and raised. They raised their family in Osceola, Iowa and owned operated Stamand Stadium and the Frosty Cone until moving to Florida in 1984.
Red loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was active in both the Iowa and Florida Wildlife Federation and Duck’s Unlimited. He was able to make trips to Alaska, Canada, Costa Rica, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Red was celebrated in 2014 when he participated in the Space Coast Honor Flight dedicated to American Veterans visiting their memorials. Mark set it up and flew to Washington, DC with him and Todd and Lori were able to drive in from North Carolina. It was an incredible experience and Red said it was one of the best days of his life. He was immensely proud of his military service which was most evident by him always wearing his World War II Veteran baseball cap.
The family would like to recognize the Northdale Rehabilitation Center and the wonderful staff for the loving care that they provided to Red. Allowing for Compassionate Care during COVID-19 was a blessing and meant the world to the family and Red.
A Memorial Service will be held for Red 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood, 3207 W. Bearss Avenue in Tampa, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Red to the charity of your choice. Pictures and comments can be viewed on the funeral home website www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/arthur-stamand