Stanton, Bernard M. (1906-1987) | Sargeant Memorial Collection

Bernard Morris Stanton was born on July 5, 1906 in Pensacola, Florida. He was a businessman and civic leader in the Hampton Roads area. He married Dorothy Boone Peyser on January 8, 1964 in Johnston County, North Carolina. Stanton had three children through his first marriage to Dorothy Marie Pratt: Patricia, B. M. Stanton, Jr., and Diane.

In 1937, Stanton established Tankar Stations. He founded Robo Autobath of Virginia Beach. Stanton also founded the Virginia Beach Rescue Foundation in 1981, which directly supported the Rescue Squad of Virginia Beach. Additionally, he was one of the founders of Virginia Beach General Hospital and the National Parking Association.

Stanton was a member of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Beach Rotary Club, and Virginia Beach Sports Club. Finally, he was both a member and deacon at First Presbyterian Church. Stanton died on December 4, 1987 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and was buried at Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery in Virginia Beach, Virginia.