MANSFIELD: Stan Petras was marked by kindness, courtesy, compassion, and generosity of spirit….he was gracious. Giving of his time, energy and even money, Stan found joy in serving others. No longer bound by his earthly body and now in the presence of his loving Savior, Stanley C. Petras, 85, of Mansfield passed away Saturday March 22, 2025 following an extended illness.
The son of Ralph C. and Mildred (McCollum) Petras, Stan was born July 15, 1939 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. Following high school, Stan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1960. He was honorably discharged.
For over 30 years he worked for General Motors as a press operator.
While visiting family in Pennsylvania, Stan first met Donna Claypoole. The two married on May 29, 1976 and Donna and her family moved to Mansfield.
Stan loved the outdoors, including hunting, camping and fishing. He enjoyed his campsite at Lake Timberland. He often fished locally at Pleasant Hill Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, and some at Knox Lake. While fishing in the Clear Fork River he caught a 44” muskie…..it only took him three days to finally reel it in!
In his younger years, Stan was drawn to the thrill of racing…drag racing. He raced his 1966 Chevelle in the super stock circuit. His prized 1970 Black Cherry Chevelle was never beaten in the street stock division. While his children were teenagers, Stan decided to retire from racing.
He attended Diamond Hills Baptist Church. Stan loved his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. His love for the Lord was evident by his gracious and caring nature.
He is survived by his loving wife Donna Petras of Mansfield; children Michael Westwood of Mansfield, Denny Westwood of Lucas, and Karen (Joey) Lawhun of Lucas; grandchildren Michaela (Phil) Miller, Joshua Watkins, Nicole Westwood, Alexis Westwood (Sam Sweeney) Jaxon Westwood, Ashleigh (Andrew) Rettig, Jed (Christina) Lawhun, and Sarah Kanz; great grandchildren Tara, Jaxon, Wyatt, Sofia, Brody, Liam, and Rosaria; sister-in-law Gerry Petras, brother-in-law Dale Claypoole and sister-in-law Patty Cieply; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Pete Petras; sister-in-law Trish Claypoole, brother-in-law Tom Cieply, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Cheryl and James Taleff.
His family will receive friends Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5-7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Friday March 28, 2025 at Diamond Hills Baptist Church, 647 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44907 from 10 am-11am where Stan’s funeral will begin at 11 am. Pastor Chris Thomas will officiate. Military honors performed by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail will be held on the church grounds. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Diamond Hills Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
