Stuart Allen Whitlock

October 7,1945 - May 4,2025 Stuart Allen Whitlock, beloved husband, dad, granddad, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 4, 2025, at the age of 79, at Bailey’s Hospice Center in St. Augustine, Florida. Born on October 7,1945, in Council Grove, Kansas, Stuart grew up with a strong work ethic and an enduring sense of self-reliance. He loved to tell the story of how his mom would take him out to the garden with a promise that he would walk back, only to carry him when he refused to walk.

A proud graduate of Council Grove High School (Class of 1963), Stuart was a dedicated athlete who played basketball, football, and ran track. He pursued a degree in chemistry at Emporia State University and later earned a master’s degree from Kansas State University. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, Stuart served with honor in Washington, D.C., working with the horses of the Old Guard Caisson Detachment, forming lifelong friendships in the process.

Though they had known each other as children, Stuart reconnected with Lynda Mae Colby while at Kansas State University. Their relationship grew into a deep and lasting love, and they were married on May 10, 1970. Together, they built a life grounded in their shared values of curiosity, joy, commitment to family, a passion for science and learning, and a love of Gator football.

Stuart’s professional life was devoted to environmental science. He worked as a chemist at ESE in Gainesville, Florida, and later became co-owner of Martel Laboratories in Baltimore, Maryland. After retiring, he and Lynda embraced a life of global travel, family, and sunshine, settling into their beachside paradise in St. Augustine.

Stuart will be remembered for his boundless enthusiasm, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He loved to share stories, whether to a stranger or a lifelong friend, and had a way of effortless chatter that could light up any room. He had a knack for making everyone feel taken care of, and his favorite expression, “It doesn’t get any better than this”, perfectly captured his appreciation for life’s simple joys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Bertha Whitlock; siblings Louise Pattison, Gilbert Whitlock and Helen Becerra; and parents-in-law. Gene and Peggy Colby. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lynda; daughter Angela Hulays and husband David; son Brian Whitlock and wife Jennifer; and five grandchildren: Owen and Max Hulays, and Colby, Emma, and Charlotte Whitlock.

No public service is planned; a private gathering to celebrate Stuart’s life will be held later this summer on the shores of St. Augustine Beach, a place he loved dearly.

Stuart’s legacy of love and laughter will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.