STANLEY MOWRE

Stanley P Mowre Our father passed away on June 7, 2010, somewhat unexpectedly. Born on July 2, 1924 to Ross and Mae Mowre, he was raised in Tacoma and attended Lincoln High school. With WWII enveloping, he lied about his age and joined the U.S. Navy. During heavy battle in the Pacific theater, his first ship was sunk at night by the Japanese and he was one of few survivors. They swam for hours in shark-infested waters and could only hear wounded sailors cry out in darkness lit up by flaming ship oil. Later his second ship was heavily damaged and sunk as well. It was fitting that he was yet on a third ship to witness the surrender signing in the Japanese harbor, bringing the war to conclusion. Stanley returned home and met Elizabeth while working at her father's car lot, Loiland Motors. They married in 1946. Later, Stanley followed in his father's footsteps becoming the first father-son on the Tacoma Police Department. Soon their first daughter Lynette was born, followed by their second daughter, Rene, and their third child, a son, Stanley Jr. Together he and "Betty" started the Tacoma Escort Service becoming the first in the Nation to have off-duty motorcycle police officers ride funeral escorts for families. He joined the Shriners and was very supportive of their work in the community, often sponsoring children for free treatment at the Shriner's Hospital. A product of the Great Depression, Stanley never worked less than two jobs simultaneously, worrying that his family might have to go without something. While riding a police motorcycle, he was struck by a truck which ended his career in 1961. It took nearly two years for him to get back on his feet. In 1963, he moved his family to Port Angeles and opened a hardware store. In 1966 they moved back to Tacoma, where he later helped to begin the security program at Tacoma Community college which he retired from 10-years later. Stanley's son followed in his footsteps and they became the first third generation father/sons on the Tacoma Police Department. In retirement, Stanley often recalled his WWII duty and described many amusing police stories. Typical of his generation, he was very proud of his country and his job as a Tacoma Police Officer. He often said a man has many acquaintances, but only a few real friends. One of his best friends was his wife, Betty who died in 2005. One of his closest friends was his partner, Robert Yerbury. He loved Bob like a brother and loved to tease him. Regrettably as Stanley's health declined he was not able to see Bob as much as he would have liked, but they spoke often by phone. Stanley is survived by his brother, Maurice, his sister, Donna Rae, his three children Lynette (Dennis) Long, Rene Daulley, and Stanley Jr (Debbie) as well as five grand-children, four great-grand children and numerous friends. Donations may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital. There will be a grave-side service at New Tacoma Cemetery for family members and close friends.