Stanley J. Kazwell Sr., 86, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Victoria, Texas.

Born May 1, 1926, in Hobart, Ind., he lived many years in neighboring Valparaiso, Ind.

At an early age, he entered the family meat-packing business. A lifelong entrepreneur, Stanley participated in many endeavors and came to be known as an astute real estate investor. He moved to Port Charlotte in 1972. During his 40 years as a Floridian, he became a prominent area businessman, which included a numerous variety of businesses and real estate ventures. Area establishments included Furniture Mart, Fisherman’s Feast (Hardee County, Fla.) and Kazwell’s Fine Furniture. His family currently owns and operates Kazwell Financial Services Inc. in Port Charlotte, which he co-founded. Of late his ambitions were directed to coastal Texas, where his family is developing property. Stanley recently authored a book about his early life titled “An American Son.” It will be published next month.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 11th Airborne Division. He saw combat in the Philippines, served in Japan, and was awarded a number of medals, including the Bronze Star. On Sept. 2, 1945, Stanley served as a special guard for Gen. Douglas McArthur for the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri; 54 years later, June 6, 1999, he was honored with the Philippine Liberation Medal at a special presentation by the Filipino American Society of Charlotte County, Fla. Stanley, a devout Catholic, was a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving family, including a daughter, Janice M. (Gary) McDaniel of Port Charlotte; three sons, Stanley J. (Janis) Kazwell Jr. of Port Charlotte, Kenneth A. Kazwell of Live Oak, Fla., and Ronald W. (Terri) Kazwell of Palacios, Texas; a sister, Mary Ann (John) O’Sullivan of Port Charlotte; 15 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Stanley was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary Lou; two brothers, Alex Kazlauski and Albert Kazwell; and daughter-in-law, Carol Kazwell.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Catholic Scripture Service at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. Interment and military honors by a U.S. Army Honor Guard will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte. Friends may visit www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.