Deane Stoltz

Deane Stoltz of Midland passed away January 29, 2006 at the age of 76. He was born April 3, 1929 in Ottumwa, Iowa, also the home of Radar O'Reilly. After attending public schools in Ottumwa, he attended Northwestern University, graduating in June, 1951 with a degree in business. That same year, Stoltz married Janet Frei of Kenilworth, Illinois.

After serving as a line officer in the U. S. Navy from 1952-1955, Mr. Stoltz came to Midland as an independent oil operator in May, 1955. In 1962, Stoltz formed a partnership with Cyril Wagner, Jr. and Jack E. Brown. The partnership operated as Stoltz and Company and engaged in the drilling and production of oil and gas in the Permian Basin. In February, 1969 a merger of certain Stoltz and Company properties with Tipperary Land and Exploration was consummated. Stoltz served as President of Tipperary and later Chairman of the Board until resigning that position in 1989. He started his own independent oil and gas company and was active until his death. He was active for years in petroleum industry organizations seeking to improve the business environment in which independent oilmen work.

Deane Stoltz was the eternal optimist. He held strongly to the belief that there was a duty to give back part of that with which you have been blessed and to enhance the quality of life for others. He loved God, country, and family and worked tirelessly and invested never-ending enthusiasm for his community. He is a past president of the Midland Independent School District Board of Trustees, current chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and has served as an officer and supporter of the United Way of Midland, Inc. since 1972. He was a charter member of the Midland Community Theatre Board of Trustees and served for 24 years on the Midland Presbyterian Homes Board of Trustees, including five years as Chairman. From 1989 to 1993, he served as the founding chairman of the Permian Basin Area Foundation.

Soon after coming to Midland, the Stoltz family became members of Trinity Presbyterian Church where Deane served as an elder and deacon. They joined First Presbyterian Church in 1966 and he was a devoted member for the past 40 years.

Deane was instrumental in energizing the Midland County Republican Party in the early 60's. He participated and served as a delegate to Republican Party functions at the local, state and national levels.

Among his many honors, he was designated as a lifetime member of the United Way of Midland, Inc. He also received the Community Builder Award in 1993 from the Grand Lodge of Texas and Midland Masonic Lodge # 623 presented to non-Masons who distinguish themselves through service. In 1997, Stoltz was honored at the National Philanthropy Day event as the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Janet Stoltz, by his son, Gary Stoltz and wife, Pam, of Midland, daughter Susan Tirey, and husband Frank, of Midland, daughter Candace Stoltz of McLean, Virginia, and daughter Julie Noreen and husband, Charlie of Los Altos, California. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Christopher Tirey, Trevor, Sawyer and Berkeley Stoltz, all of Midland, Jenny and Chandler Ebeier of McLean, Virginia, and James, Shelley, and John Noreen of Los Altos, California. Also surviving is a brother John Stoltz, of Coral Gables, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adine and John Stoltz, and sister, Janet Myers, all of Coral Gables, Florida.

Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Midland at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2006. Pallbearers are Frank Agar, Bob Bledsoe, Jack Brown, Bernard Feshbach, Steve Helbing, Bob Hudson, Bill Marshall, John Mills, Jim Ross and Whit Whitlow. Honorary pallbearers are Christopher Tirey, Trevor Stoltz, Sawyer Stoltz, James Noreen and John Noreen. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stoltz Family Fund of the Permian Basin Area Foundation, 550 W. Texas, Suite 1260, Midland, Texas 79701, The United Way of Midland, Inc., 1209 W. Wall, Midland, Texas 79701, to the Manor Park Capital Campaign, 2208 N. Loop 250 West, Midland, Texas 79707, First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas, Midland, Texas 79701, or the charity of your choice.