Family

Dale, my husband of 31 years, is my best side. He was born and raised in Overton, Texas and was a 1983 graduate of Overton High School. He is the HSSE Advisor for Weatherford, International. He was been employed by Weatherford for over 33 years. Dale and I raise Mountain Cur, Treeing Cur, and Stephens Cur hunting dogs. We enjoy coon, squirrel, and hog hunting. Dale is the President for the Stephens Cur Breeders Association. Our family plays bluegrass music and love traditional country music. Dale plays the mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. I play the 3/4 up-right bass fiddle. We are members of London Baptist Church in New London, Texas.

Dale and I have a 27 year old daughter, Bailee Stanley-Whitaker. She was a 2014 West Rusk High School graduate. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Tyler with a 4.0 grade point average. Bailee was a 5th grade Math at West Rusk Intermediate, but later obtained her Master's Degree at UT Tyler and is now a Diagnostician who evaluates students for Special Education. Bailee is a very talented young woman. She plays the guitar and has a beautiful voice. Bailee married Nick Whitaker. Nick graduated from my Alma Mater New Diana High School and has gained two Associates Degrees from local colleges. He is a Lead Process Operator for Texas Eastman Company.

Mardi Marie Whitaker is my only granddaughter that turned a year old this July. I am so excited about being a grandmother and playing a part in raising her.

I was raised in Diana, Texas and in 1992 I graduated with honors at New Diana High School. After high school, I received an Associates degree from Kilgore College then received a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. In my spare time, besides hunting and playing music, I write a monthly article for the Southern Stephens Breeders Association in the Full Cry, a leading national tree dog publication. In my articles, I share experiences with tree dog enthusiasts who use dogs to hunt raccoon, bear, cougar, bobcat, squirrel and other game. There are many articles for novice and experienced hunters alike.

Our family is very close and we enjoy life to its fullest. We are members of London Baptist Church in New London, Texas. God has blessed us with many friends and priceless relationships that help make the woes of this life bearable. We look forward to making new friends in the Troup community and we pray that our presence makes someone else smile.

May God bless you and yours,

Kella Stanley