Stanley Milfred Warlen

Dr. Stanley “Stan” Milfred Warlen, 87, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Stan’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, at First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City, officiated by Rev. Jake Young. A light reception will follow the service. Stan will be laid to rest privately at Gethsemane Memorial Cemetery. For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed via his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.

Stan was born on July 30, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Clarence and Elinor Warlen. After earning his doctorate, he went on to a fulfilling and distinguished career as a marine biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He spent his entire professional career, and the years that followed, living in Carteret County, NC, a place he was proud to call home.

An active and athletic man throughout his life, Stan enjoyed golfing, running, and participating in 5K races. He played on a local baseball team and remained competitive well into his later years, taking part in senior sports and the Senior Olympics. A devoted sports fan, he enthusiastically supported NC State and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Known for his love of shagging, Stan was famous for his smooth moves on the dance floor. He enjoyed coastal living, where fishing was a favorite pastime. Always one to keep learning, Stan stayed sharp through his extensive reading. He was an exceptional cook, famous among family and friends for his Texas chili, seafood dishes, and collard greens. A passionate traveler, Stan visited all 48 continental United States and many countries abroad.

Above all, Stan was a caring and loving man who cherished his family and adored his wife. He will be remembered for his warmth, energy, curiosity, and the deep love he shared with those around him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Judith “Judy” Warlen; daughter, Andrea Warlen Hummert (Thomas) of Hendersonville, NC; sons, Geoffrey Thomas Warlen (Lori) of Bulverde, TX and Stanley Michael Warlen (Irene) of San Antonio, TX; step-daughters, Catherine Fulcher (Brent) of Beaufort, NC and Virginia Conner (David) of New Bern, NC; step-daughter-in-law, Cammi Collins of Beaufort, NC; brother, Steven Clarence Warlen (Yvonne) of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Laura Hummert Riggs (James), Juliana Grace Hummert, Bridget Marie Warlen, Sierra Kimberly Warlen, and Jacob Michael Warlen; 8 step-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who greatly admired Stan.

In addition to his parents, Stanley was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra May Rollins and stepson, Gurney “Lee” Collins III.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living for the compassion and loving care they showed Stan.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made in Stan’s memory to the NC Fisheries Association, P.O. Box 86, Morehead City, NC 28557

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.