Dr. Stanley Gene Rives, PhD

Stanley Rives

CHARLESTON – Dr. Stanley G. Rives, PhD, 89, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Stanley was born September 27, 1930 in Assumption, Illinois, son of James and Frances (Bunker) Rives.  Frances later remarried Dale Haverfield.  Stanley married Sandra Lou Belt in 1957 at Granite City, IL; she preceded him in death, February 26, 2015.  He is survived by their children: Jackie Rives of Kofu, Japan and Joseph (Scott Brouette) Rives of Moline, IL.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, step-father, and two brothers, Roger and Richard.

Stanley was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Charleston.  He retired as President of Eastern Illinois University.  In his service to Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University, Stan was on numerous local, statewide, and national boards, panels, and commissions.  He was especially proud of his wife Sandy in her work advancing rural health and career opportunities for women in East Central Illinois.  He was a strong advocate for undergraduate education, graduate programs of excellence, diversity, and community and economic development.  He loved to play cards and travel, especially to warm climates, with family and friends. 

A memorial service will be scheduled in the spring.  Memorials may be directed to the Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Awards through the Eastern Illinois University or Illinois State University Foundation or volunteering time at an organization of the person’s choosing.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Stanley Gene Rives, PhD, please visit our floral store.