Stanley R. "Stan" Levenson

Dallas - Stanley R. Levenson, a Dallas advertising and public relations pioneer passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 27, 2025, at age 91.

Born in Cincinnati in 1933, "Stan the man" moved to Miami Beach before earning a journalism degree from the University of Michigan, and then a masters in Journalism through American University. After serving as a journalist in the U.S. Army, he began a remarkable career in public relations alongside his beloved wife, Barbara.

In 1966, he and Barbara co-founded SL Associates which grew into the nationally recognized Levenson Group. Their clients included American Airlines, Chili's (their work became famous for the "Baby Back Ribs" jingle), Zales, Papa John's, and major Hollywood studios and entertainers.

Outside the office, Stan was a tireless advocate for the arts and for equality. He served on countless charity boards including the Dallas Arboretum, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, the Urban League, and many many more. He was also an adjunct professor of public relations at SMU.

Stan was a true jazz enthusiast. He filled every room with the sound of horns reminding us all to find joy in life's melodies. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he donated his extensive collection to Tulane University to restore their library, then donated his second collection to UT Dallas in 2024.

In both business and his personal life, Stan was the ultimate gentleman. He was known for his charm, the sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes, his signature smile, his optimistic spin on every obstacle, and the infectious warmth he brought to every conversation.

He is survived by his beautiful "bride" of over 63 years, Barbara; daughters Laura Levenson Gottesman (Morris) and Amy Levenson Krumholz; brother Alan (Renay); sister Carol (Norman); six grandsons (Freddy, Wesley, Garrett, Grant, Braden, and Carson); four great-grandchildren (Graham, Hudson, Paige, River, and Brooks).

Stan's family wishes to thank his devoted caretakers Colleta Muusi and Sala Aitrouchraa who lovingly listened to jazz with him and Barbara in his final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his honor to one of his three favorite causes: The Stan Levenson Scholarship at the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, The Sammons Center for the Arts, or The Texas Trees Foundation.

Stan Levenson leaves behind a legacy of creativity, generosity, and optimism that touched the lives of countless people.