Rev. Francis M. Stanton

The Rev. Francis M. Stanton passed away October 29, 2025. The son of Thomas M. and Loretta Butts Stanton, Father Stanton was born January 7, 1935, in Columbus. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Fr. Joseph E. Stanton and John Stanton and his sister Mary R. VonVille.
Fr. Stanton was a 1951 graduate of St. Charles Borromeo High School, Columbus. He earned degrees from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Columbus, and Mt. St. Mary's of the West Seminary in Cincinnati. He also studied at the U.S. Naval Chaplains School in Newport, RI. Fr. Stanton was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1959 at St. Joseph Cathedral, Columbus, by the Most Reverend Clarence G. Issenmann, Bishop of Columbus.
Fr. Stanton served as an Associate Pastor at St. Agatha, Columbus; Immaculate Conception, Dennison, OH; St. Rose of Lima, New Lexington, OH; and St. Peter in Chains, Wheelersburg, OH. In 1967, Fr. Stanton was commissioned in the Chaplain Corps for the U.S. Navy, and served for many years in this capacity. He was a chaplain at Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines, ministering on 31 different naval ships off the coast of Vietnam during his tour of duty. He also ministered as a chaplain at the Naval Air Station, Whiting Field, Milton, FL; the Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; the Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego; the Naval Regional Medical Center, Great Lakes, IL; the Naval Air Station, Cubi Point, Philippines; the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC; the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz out of Norfolk, VA; the Naval Station at Guam; the Naval Air Station, El Centro, CA; and the Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabees) at Port Hueneme, CA. Fr. Stanton retired from active duty May 1, 1989, with the rank of Commander. During his distinguished service to our country, he was recognized by the U.S. Navy with the following honors: the Vietnam Service Medal with Six Stars; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and Overseas Service Ribbon. Additionally, he received the Republic of Vietnam's Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation.
Upon his return to the Diocese of Columbus, Fr. Stanton served as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Peace, Columbus; Pastor of Church of the Atonement, Crooksville, OH; a Diocesan Vocations Committee member; and an emergency relief chaplain. He retired from active ministry December 31, 2004. He moved into the Villas at St. Therese, Columbus, in 2008 to help care for his brother Fr. Joseph Stanton and later resided at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, Columbus. We are thankful to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and staff at the Villas of Saint Therese and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor for the care provided to Father Stanton over these many years.
Fr. Stanton is survived by his sister Marcella V. Boylan and brother Roland F. Stanton, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 5, from 10-11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 North Broadway Street, Columbus. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, at Immaculate Conception Church at 11 a.m. the same day. The Rev. Michael Nimocks will preach the homily. Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH.