William Standley
Farmington – Sometime on Friday morning, February 19, 2021, Judge William E. Standley, 83, known to many as Bill while he slept at his home in Farmington, New Mexico, returned to the Kingdom of our Lord in Heaven, to rejoin his beloved 61 year old wife, Karen Jean Standley, who preceded him in death in 2018. Along with her, he was preceded by his mother and father, Caroline and Luther Standley, his son Scott Harris Standley, and a daughter-in-law, Aimee Standley.
Bill leaves behind his children Tim Standley and wife Tami from Los Osos, CA, Drew Standley and wife Joni from Ignacio, CO, Kurt Standley and wife Cindy from Los Alamos, NM, and daughter Karen Sue Standley from Farmington. NM. He is also survived by his brothers Gary Patterson and Rex Patterson and his wife Linda, as well as his sister Sandra Boring and her husband Chuck. Other surviving family members include 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren with one more on the way.
Bill was born on September 3, 1937 in Stockton, California, towards the end of the Great Depression. While still in high school, Bill discovered his intentions and connected his intentions with a young, beautiful blonde girl who also attended Stockton High, Miss Karen Jean Hehn. She wasn’t quite as sure about their future together as Bill, but when he repulsed all the other suitors he won her hand and they married in June 1957.
After graduating from Stockton High School, Bill decided to join the U.S. military. He traveled from Stockton to San Francisco and proudly volunteered to be a member of the US Marine Corp. to become. After bootcamping, Bill had two weeks to travel to his first stop in Jacksonville, Florida and report for duty. With his bride and $ 14 they made their way to Jacksonville from California. They traveled across the country and slept in Bill’s car. They finally made it to Florida on time and Bill began his training for his first career with the US Marines by training as an aircraft mechanic. Eventually, Karen had to stay behind while Bill served overseas in Japan until he returned to the States and was honorably discharged into the Marine Corp Reserves. In 1962, Bill was honorably discharged from the Marine Reserves, but not before the Marines changed his life forever as they cemented his savage work ethic and dedication to duty and gave him a master’s degree in judo and appreciation for the ability of people and that Getting things done.
After the end of his military career, he looked for gainful employment and found it as a salesperson at the Sears Roebuck Company in California. As their family grew, Bill’s job took him and his wife, Karen, to numerous communities across California. By the time Bill decided he might want to go to law enforcement, it was too late. Ms. Karen stepped forward and suggested that perhaps he should find a position that included less danger and more stability. So dutiful Bill decided to accept a small cut in his salary and accept a management offer with Sears.
Bill rose with Sears in California and assumed the top position in stores in Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Bill took his last big step with an offer to run an even bigger business outside of the California area. He had no idea exactly where they were sending him, but it turned out to be in the community he was supposed to make an indelible mark one day on, Farmington, NM.
Bill, Karen, and their younger children took root in Carpentaria, California and made their way to the unknown high plateau in northwest New Mexico. Bill enjoyed horse riding so he looked for a home where he could run a stable and enjoy the outdoors, which turned out to be a passion all his life. In addition to the cowboy lifestyle, Bill picked up and participated in many other interests. Finally, his resume included President of the Chamber of Commerce; President of the San Juan Rotary Club; President of the San Juan United Way; President of the City League of New Mexico; President of the Farmington Red Coats Chamber of Commerce; President of the Anasazi Foundation; President of the San Juan Wildlife Federation; Director of the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau; Board of Directors of the San Juan Safe Communities Initiative; Chairman of the Endowment Fund of San Juan College; A member of the US Marine Corps League; Graduate of leadership in San Juan; Member of the Farmington Capital Improvement Commission; Winner of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce’s New Era History Makers Museum and other notable community organizations and activities.
By the time he was ready to retire from Sears after 37 years, Bill had already served in many of the public service organizations listed. After his departure, Sears Bill was wanted as advertising director for the Farmington Daily Times and as general manager for Construction Supply in Farmington. But his greatest honor and service was still ahead of him.
At the urging of an icon of the Farmington community, Miss Betty Berry, Bill was persuaded to take the plunge into the political arena and seek the position of Mayor of Farmington. His 1998 victory was followed by two more popular re-elections with a four-year term and a total of twelve-year term that led the city. Under his leadership, Bill and Mrs. Karen established Farmington’s Red Apple Transit System, the city bus service. He oversaw the expansion of the Riverwalk system and the establishment of the all-veterans’ park, and was instrumental in founding Totah Behavioral Health Services.
Bill tried to improve relationships with the surrounding Navajo nation and was able to build great relationships and friendships with many of the Dine leaders, both state and traditional. In his role as Mayor and President of the New Mexico Municipal League, he was invited and honored to attend the inauguration of George W. Bush, where he met and spoke to the US President in person.
He led the construction of many quality of life projects for Farmington, including parks, playing fields, a new public library and the expansion of the river system. His legacy at Farmington continues to this day and will last for many years.
Bill accepted what would become his final professional challenge when he left the office of mayor and was elected to the bank of Farmington City Court. After his death, Bill continued to serve as a community judge, where his absence will be felt by many.
The Standley family would like to thank so many people who have sought help and compassion during this difficult time. Bill would also like to thank everyone from all walks of life who have influenced him and enabled him to achieve more in his life than he could ever have imagined.
Due to pandemic restrictions, only a small family gathering is possible before his remains are cremated at the Farmington Funeral Home. A public memorial and celebration of the life of Bill Standley are planned for a hopefully not planned date in the distant future. Please visit www.farmingtonfuneral.com for updated information. Instead of flowers, please donate to the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter Foundation or the San Juan Animal League at the addresses below.
Farmington Regional Animal Shelter Foundation
P.O. Box # 692
Farmington, New Mexico, 87499
San Juan Animal League
P.O. Box # 142
Farmington, New Mexico, 87499
Published by Farmington Daily Times February 24 to February 28, 2021.
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