Obituary of Stanley Lee McCausland

Stanley Lee McCausland died peacefully at Scottish Rite Park on February 4, 2022. Stanley (Stan) was born on December 24, 1924, in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania to Edwin and Ethel McCausland. Stan was a veteran of the U.S. Merchant Marines, serving on the SS John W. Brown in the Pacific and Atlantic Theaters from 1945 to 1947. During this time Stan's many deployments took him to such locations as Shanghai and Paris. Following military service, Stan returned to Philadelphia and graduated from Ursinus College in 1948. In 1951, he married Wanda Lee Harmon in Washington D.C. Lee, as she was known, and Stan shared 52 years of marriage until her death in 2003. Stan began his career by teaching at American University. In 1957, he and Lee moved to Concord, New Hampshire as Stan began work in commercial printing sales. In 1969, Stan and Lee moved to Des Moines as he continued his career with Commercial Printing. Stan's career took a change in 1971, as he was appointed by Governor Robert D. Ray to serve as Director of the Iowa Department of General Services. He took tremendous pride in his service to the state of Iowa and particularly to Governor Ray. His accomplishments included overseeing several major building initiatives and enhancement of the beauty of the State Capitol Complex. Following his retirement in 1983, Stan authored numerous reports and plans for the Capitol Complex which he willingly provided to policy makers and the citizens of Iowa. Stan's interests were varied and included participation in various community choral music organizations and the preparation of writings on a variety of intellectual and historical topics which he shared with his many friends. He also thoroughly enjoyed the friendships he made through competitive tennis in Des Moines. This passion, which began on a homemade tennis court, lasted a lifetime. Stan also relished traveling, especially trips to Alaska and Arizona with his brother, Ed. Stan also took a special pride in recounting the history of the McCausland Family in Ireland and throughout the United States since the early 19th century. Stan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lee; his sister, Helen Andrews and brother, Edwin McCausland. Stan is survived by several nieces and grand nieces and nephews. Stan wishes to thank the nurses and care providers for the loving care he received while a resident of Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center. Memorial contributions may be made in Stan's memory to Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa or Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Arrangements for Stan are being managed by the McCausland - Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home, Glenolden Pennsylvania. Interment will occur at Arlington Cemetery Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.