Rev. Charles H. Standifer

Rev. Charles H. Standifer The Reverend Charles H. Standifer, born February 17, 1917, passed away Sunday morning, November 18, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arveline Standifer; their son, Charles Thomas Standifer and his wife, Margaret Standifer; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Aileen Standifer and Natalie Sloan Sayers, and husband, Jay Sayers, all of Austin, Texas; one sister, Margaret Fox and her husband, Hewitt of Corpus Christi, Texas. The extended family includes nephews, nieces, and their spouses and children. Reverend Standifer has donated his remains to the willed- body program of Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas. Charlie was born during the time of World War I and his father, Dr. Charles H. Standifer, serving in that war sent him letters and cards from France. Charlie, as a young man, served in World War II and sent his son, Chuck, letters and cards where he served in England. When Charlie returned to Texas after his time of service, he began working for Humble Oil Company in Dallas. After a short time, he began his own business of running a service station at the corner of Marsh Lane and Walnut Hill Lane in north Dallas. It was indeed, a "back to the future" service station where the windshield and windows were cleaned, the oil was checked, and the mats were vacuumed as part of the service. It was a family business where Arveline worked as the bookkeeper and Chuck washed cars and changed tires on Saturdays and during the summers. During this time, Chuck participated in football and other sports at Thomas Jefferson High School, and Charlie and Arveline attended all the games. Charlie also supported the sports program through the Booster Club and the high school in any way he could during this 10-year period. Charlie left the business world in his mid-fifties when he felt a call to become a minister. He attended SMU Theology School when encouraged to do so by Rev. Tom Shipp, his pastor at Lovers' Lane United Methodist Church. Charlie graduated from SMU Theology School with high honors, and began his ministry as an associate pastor at Lovers' Lane Methodist Church. Later he was appointed to churches in Avery, Wilmer, Hutchins, Mabank, and finally at Southwood United Methodist Church in south Dallas all in the North Texas Methodist conference. He and Arveline made many close friends at the various churches he served. His son and many others who knew him well said Charlie was always in the ministry even when he had the service station business. Charlie was a "people" person; he always was interested in learning about and helping others throughout his life. After he retired from the ministry, he was an active volunteer with his wife, Arveline - at Seton hospital, at Westbank Library, and in his neighborhood association. Charlie had a great sense of humor and enjoyed the fun times of his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends, and lovingly remembered. A memorial service will be held for him on Saturday, December 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Westlake United Methodist Church. Rev. Lynn Barton is the Sr. Pastor and Rev. Jim Austin is the associate pastor. The church is located at 1460 Red Bud Trail just off Bee Caves Road in Westlake Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund of Westlake United Methodist Church.