Eugene (Gene) George Stansbery, 68, a longtime resident of Friendswood, Texas. passed away on August 11, 2023. Born to Jack and LaVerne Stansbery in Texarkana, Stanbery’s earliest memory was of a nighttime launch from Cape Canaveral, which spawned his lifelong passion for space. A proud graduate of Angleton High School, he recently connected with dear friends at his 50th class reunion. Stansbery received his B.S. and M.S. in Space Physics from the University of Houston.

A scientist and explorer, Stansbery traveled to every continent on Earth and reached beyond the stars with his research and experiments. His work began with atmospheric instrument development and sonic boom analysis, and he ultimately became NASA’s Orbital Debris program manager, recognized as an expert in “space garbology.”

Throughout his career, Stansbery received many honors, including the Antarctic Service Medal and NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal, and he was the namesake for the Eugene Stansbery Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (ES-MCAT) on Ascension Island. Stansbery’s list of accomplishments — Been There-Done That — is extensive.

With a creative mind, artistic vision, and attention to detail, Stansbery was the ultimate Idea Man. His enthusiasm for adventure led him from scuba diving the depths of the oceans to endless heights flying a variety of aircraft, including his restored Nanchang CJ6A. His keen eye saw so much throughout his lifetime: capturing his journeys around the world through the lens of a camera, creating miniatures through model building, producing stained glass art, and holding others accountable as a respected tennis umpire.

— Text courtesy of Dignity Memorial