Stanley Lafe Kerlick, Jr.
May 4 ^th , 1951 – August 23 ^rd , 2023
Laguna Niguel, CA

Stanley Lafe Kerlick, Jr was born in Oklahoma City on May 4 ^th , 1951, and went to be with Jesus on August 23 ^rd in Laguna Niguel, CA. He was preceded in death by his father Stanley Lafe Kerlick Sr, his mother Ruth Kerlick, and his brother Ray Hill. He is survived by his wife of nearly 19 years Pamela Kerlick, his sons Brent Kerlick, Stanley Lafe Kerlick III (Courtney), stepson Jeff Duvall (Nelly), his brothers Dennis and Jeff Kerlick, his grandchildren Camryn and Zachary Kerlick, Olivia Kerlick and Kyle Duvall. He is also survived by his nieces Natalie Planter, Annie Clark, nephew Daniel Kerlick, and brother in laws Ray Rourke and Mark Rogers.

Stan lived life to the fullest and never met someone he could not befriend. He was a tremendous salesman, working for Volvo and Ford in the Auto industry and most recently selling real estate in Southern California. Stan was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX.

The recovery community was very near and dear to him and his best friends were part of that very community. Whether it was his own experiences of 30+ years of sobriety or helping someone get through their first day, he was there to help, listen, and cheer on.

He lived in a few places throughout his life: Oklahoma, brief stints in Georgia, and Alabama, but spent most of his time in Texas and California. His passions included playing golf (A lot of it!), the game of baseball, cheering on the Astros and Angels, and of course football with his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners. Stan also loved the beach and could not get over how beautiful the beaches were around his home.

Faith motivated Stan to be the best person he could be to his family and fellow person. Stan was a true follower of Jesus and right now is most likely giving huge hugs to all in heaven he has missed. If in church with Stan, you could not go without hearing him sing and practically lead the worship service himself.

To Stan, family was everything. He was incredibly supportive and proud of his sons. He was always there with phone calls, numerous texts, and voice mails. A birthday or holiday did not go by without a card in the mail from Stan. Whether it was taking his sons to church or an Astros game, his grandchildren to Disneyland, or excitedly waiting for his family to arrive at the airport, he could not have been more excited. He was a tremendous role model to look up to.

In 2003, Stan met the love of his life. In Pam, he met someone who could understand his journey in the recovery experience. In 2004 Pam and Stan were married and for the rest of his years he was never far from her. Whether it was traveling to Europe, Oregon, or Texas, spending time with their grandchildren, or simply enjoying the everyday in their place in Orange County with the dogs they rescued, Pam was Stan's best friend.

Stan will be missed by so many as he touched family, friends, and co-workers everywhere he went.

Celebration of Life will be held on September 17th at 1:00pm at the Crown Valley Community Center in Crown Ball Room A, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel.