Decorated World War II Vet, General Motors Pilot Dies

A highly decorated World War II veteran, retired General Motors pilot and longtime Plymouth resident, Albert Himes Stanwood Jr., died Monday at the age of 95.

Born April 2, 1919, in Providence, RI, he was the son of Albert Himes and Marion Louise (Bell) Stanwood. He graduated with a degree in business from Bryant College in Providence in 1939, joined the Army Air Corps and completed flight school in July 1941.

He was in the first unit to see action in the Southwest Pacific Area early in 1942. From 1942-1944, he was part of the 19th Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group. He flew 93 missions based out of Australia and New Guinea. His citations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, the Air Medal with clusters, two presidential unit citations, and a Southwest Pacific ribbon with six battle stars.

Upon returning to the United States, hel was stationed at Bolling Field in Washington, DC, and was a pilot for high-ranking military officials.

After leaving the service in 1945, he flew for the War Assets Administration for three years before moving to Detroit as a pilot for General Motors in 1948. In 31 years, he flew six General Motors presidents and countless other personnel until his retirement in 1979.

In Detroit, he met and married his wife, Jean Currey, and started his family. They moved to Plymouth in 1961.

Described as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed meeting and talking with people and was an active member of many community groups, including the First Presbyterian Church, VFW Post NO. 6695, the Plymouth Rotary, and the Elks Club.

He was a life member of What Cheer Lodge No. 21 of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, both of Providence.

In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, volunteering, or poolside, officiating or cheering on his daughters and their teammates.

Survivors include his children Albert (Carol) Stanwood, Marion (Ron) Dickel, Susan (John) Whelan, Sarah (Rusty) Eubanks; and grandchildren Brendan (Maegan) Whelan, Kevan Whelan, Daniel Whelan, Tracie Whelan, Stephen Stanwood, Matthew Dickel, Andrew Eubanks, Alden Eubanks, Alison Eubanks, and Kaylee Bradley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marion Louise Armington, and his beloved wife of 46 years, Jean.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth, 701 Church Street, Plymouth. Visitation will be from 2-3:30 p.m., and a light dinner will be served afterward.

Contributions in his honor can be made to the Albert Himes and Jean Currey Stanwood Memorial Scholarship Fund, Four County Community Foundation, 231 E. St. Clair, P.O. Box 539, Almont, MI, 48003.