Douglas C. Stendahl

Douglas C. Stendahl, 78, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Henrico County, Virginia. He previously resided in Virginia Beach, VA, for many years.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his wife of 47 years, Sandra K. Stendahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Baylis Stendahl, as well as his daughter, Laura "Missy" Drake.

Doug was born on January 26, 1947, in Buffalo, New York. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably until his retirement in 1985. He was a survivor of the USS Forrestal fire in 1969, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Douglas leaves behind to cherish his memory his two brothers, Mark T. Stendahl (Gloria) and Keith Stendahl; his son, Ralph "Sonny" Drake (wife Kimberly Pope Drake); three grandchildren, Amber Matesic (fiancé Mike Kostusiak), Carrie Rice (fiancé J.R. Putnam), and Garyn Drake (fiancée Jessica Michael); and six great-grandchildren, Chase Lewis, Tynleigh Matesic, Lletyon Matesic, Layla Braswell, Lucas Hylton and Emersyn Drake.

Pa-Paw and Layla enjoyed their visits together, having drumstick ice cream cones, sharing their love of gnomes & shared a very special bond that can never be broken.

Though the time was short, the family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Suncrest Hospice, especially their RN Ash, for the compassion, dedication, and loving care shown to our dad. He was kept comfortable, clean, and deeply cared for during his final days spent back "home" at Chestnut Grove Assisted Living Facility.

A huge thank-you to Mom and Dad's favorite neighbors, who became family, from Midlothian, Virginia-Eric and Leslee Wallace, along with all of their children-for the years of help, love, and support they provided whenever our parents needed them. Eric was there for Dad through it all, and we are forever grateful for the kindness and devotion shown until the very end.

A graveside service will be held on February 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Grove Memorial Park, located at 3445 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (adjacent to Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home).

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com