Stanley David Finkelstein

Stanley David Finkelstein passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 92. Stanley was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Louis and Sadye Finkelstein on August 8, 1933. One of eight children, Stanley was known for his humor and his love of fixing things. As a boy, he enjoyed the family weekend excursions to the root beer stand and amusement park with his siblings together in the car. Stanley attended Central High School in Oklahoma City and then joined his father in the family scrap metal business. After serving our country in the United States Army, he returned and enjoyed a career as a barber before returning to the family business. He married his wife, Virginia, in 1966, and they were blessed with their son, David Wayne, on September 15, 1967. Stanley continued and operated the family scrap metal business, after caring for his father who passed, until he moved to be with his sister, Shirley, and helped her with her inn in Brenham, Texas. Stanley was instrumental with the day-to-day operations of the Heartland Country Inn and stayed by Shirley’s side and cared for her throughout the end of her life. After that, he retired to Houston to be near his brothers, Ralph and Bert Finkelstein. At 90, Stanley continued his love of football and golf, repairing things, and the inner workings of the scrap metal business by spending hours researching on his computer. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Sadye Finkelstein; his sisters, Naomi Schwartz and Shirley Sacks; and his brothers, Mort, Frank, and Ralph Finkelstein. Stanley is survived by his son, David Wayne Wightman; brother, Bert Finkelstein; sister, Rebecca Lee Schmidt, and brother-in-law, Maurice Schmidt; nephews, Joshua Jacob Schmidt and Jon Schwartz; niece, Nonya Grenader, and her husband, Jonathan Grenader; great nephew, Sam Grenader and his family; great niece, Emily Barry and her family; and paternal cousins, Libby Marks and her family, Nikki Singer and her family, Shirley Skalovsky and her family, and Nonya Finkelstein. The family extends their profound and heartfelt gratitude to Stanley’s wonderful caregivers and nurses who gave him comfort and peace with their tireless and gracious kindness. They also thank Rosemont Hospice care and Habtu Fesehazione for all their care and support for Stanley. A graveside service will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77074. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chabad, 10900 Fondren Road, Houston, Texas 77096.

Stanley David Finkelstein

August 8, 1933 - February 12, 2026