Stanley Craig Browning

Stanley Craig Browning, 78, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Parker, Colorado. Born in Sweetwater, Texas, to Garland and Virginia Browning, Stan was born and bred in Texas and carried a true love for his home state throughout his life. He lived there nearly all his years and only recently relocated to Colorado. Stan grew up with a quiet strength, steady loyalty, and deep devotion to those he loved—qualities that defined his life from beginning to end.

A 1966 graduate of Newman High School, Stan cherished the friendships he formed there. Many of those classmates remained among his closest and most trusted friends throughout his life, and he stayed connected with them faithfully, even in his final days. He was also proud to be an Eagle Scout, a distinction that reflected his integrity, perseverance, and commitment to doing what was right.

Stan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington before beginning a long and fulfilling career in accounting. Over more than 40 years—much of it spent managing finances for homebuilding companies—he earned the admiration of colleagues and employees alike. He was known for his fairness, steadiness, and the unwavering respect he showed everyone around him.

In 1974, Stan married the love of his life, Connie Browning, and together they built a home filled with warmth, humor, and support. He was a devoted father to Lori Costello and Greg Browning, and a proud grandfather to Riley Browning, Nico Browning, Gemma Costello, and Evalyn Costello, who brought him immeasurable joy. His dry, understated sense of humor—sometimes subtle, always perfectly timed—was one of the qualities his family and friends treasured most. He looked forward to many more years watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

After retiring, Stan embraced his passion for travel. He and Connie spent several years exploring the United States and Canada in their RV, savoring the freedom of the open road and the shared adventure of discovering new places together. Along the way, they met countless fellow travelers who became cherished friends, forging relationships that enriched their journeys and remained meaningful long after the miles passed beneath them.

Stan had a lifelong love of woodworking, a craft he first learned from his father and one that became a meaningful thread through generations of his family. He took great pride in creating with his hands, passing his skills and passion on to his son and grandson, who carry forward his appreciation for craftsmanship and the beauty that can be shaped from wood. From furniture that filled the family home, to handmade gifts for coworkers, to decks built for family homes, Stan’s work was both practical and deeply personal—a lasting reflection of his care, patience, and creativity.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents. He was also preceded by his younger brother, David Browning, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Connie; his daughter Lori and son Greg (wife Tina) and grandchildren; and his sister, Susan McKinney, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. He is also survived by his niece, Erin McKinney, and his great-nieces, Abigail and Claire.

Stan cherished all his family—whether united by blood or by marriage—and is further survived by siblings-in-law Kathie, David, Phil, and Robin. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. Last but not least, was his faithful canine companion, Dixie, with whom he shared a playful, loving bond.

Those who knew Stan will remember a man who loved deeply, worked with integrity, and found genuine happiness in the company of family and friends. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the memories he leaves behind. He will be missed beyond measure, leaving a hole in our hearts.

A lifelong friend shared that he met Stan in first grade at East Ridge Elementary School in Sweetwater, Texas, and from those early years onward, Stan was always caring, intelligent, and quietly funny—qualities that never left him. Through decades of friendship, they shared countless conversations about football, the Texas Rangers, the Sweetwater Mustangs, and fond memories of their days at Sweetwater High School. To him, Stan was truly “a brother from another mother.” In Stan’s gentle, reassuring way, he offered steady encouragement during difficult times, reminding him that challenges would pass—and they always did. He admired Stan deeply for the love and devotion he showed to his wife Connie, his children and grandchildren, his sister Susan and her family, and for the time he always made for friends despite a busy life. He will forever carry Stan in his heart and mind, guided by the example Stan set and the words he once shared: “You must strive to be an honest, caring gentleman in your life.” Stan gave him an example worth following, and his friendship will be cherished always.

Celebrations of life will be held at future dates in both Texas and Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stan’s name to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends.org) or to a charity of your choice.