Elroy Stolz

Elroy Stolz, 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Known throughout his life as Elroy, “Too Tall,” “Zooto,” Uncle Elroy, Babe, Dad and, perhaps most proudly, Pa, he will be remembered for his kindness, patience, strong work ethic, generosity, joyful spirit and, above all, the love he showed his family and everyone around him.

Elroy was born in Navasota, Texas, to Oscar and Cordelia Stolz and grew up in Old Washington alongside his three brothers, Wayne, Ray and James. Life on the farm taught him the value of hard work at an early age. He spent his childhood hauling hay, caring for farm animals, working in the garden and helping can vegetables, while also enjoying his mother’s cooking and sweets.

He developed a lifelong love of sports while young, playing Little League baseball and earning the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. After graduating from Brenham High School, Elroy attended Blinn College.

While in college, he worked at the Brenham State School helping children with special needs. Elroy did more than simply work with the children, he played sports with them, spent time with them and developed a genuine love for them.

After college, Elroy worked as a Blue Bell route salesman for 21 years. He would take his kids, Leslie and Wesley, with him to deliver ice cream on Saturdays and during the summer - they were Elroy’s little helpers. Elroy later worked as a maintenance technician at Germania Insurance. Whatever the job, he believed in doing it right, no matter how long it took. He took tremendous pride in his work and was always willing to lend a hand to others. That same work ethic could be seen at home, whether he was building a fence with Wesley, working on a property project, tending a garden or keeping his yard immaculate.

Elroy’s greatest pride, however, was his family.

His love story with his wife, Denise, began one night in Navasota when she noticed the number 22 on the T-shirt he was wearing. Twenty-two was her favorite number, and when she mentioned it, Elroy generously offered to give it to her. That lighthearted moment sparked a relationship that would grow into 48 years of marriage.

Elroy and Denise worked side by side to build a loving home and raise their two children, Leslie and Wesley. They balanced one another well and made family a priority throughout their marriage. Family vacations were especially important, with Elroy carefully researching and planning every detail. He loved being the driver, seeing as much as possible and making memories together rather than sitting still.

Travel and the outdoors were among Elroy’s greatest joys. He loved camping, campfires, fishing, gardening, working outside and visiting national parks. Yellowstone held a special place in his heart. While his children were growing up, he especially enjoyed family snow-skiing trips to Ski Apache. While he loved his annual Florida beach trips, he also loved getaways to Colorado in the summer, any opportunity to escape the Texas heat was welcomed.

Sports remained a lifelong passion. Elroy played church-league slow-pitch softball, often using his speed in the outfield, and was an avid baseball fan. He especially loved the Houston Astros and was rarely far from checking the latest baseball score. He and Leslie shared a special love of baseball, including trips to the College World Series and the unforgettable experience of attending an Astros World Series game together.

At home, Elroy could often be found working outside or caring for his famously immaculate yard, always green, free of stickers and faithfully mowed each week. He also enjoyed cooking breakfast for his family, with biscuits, sausage and eggs being a favorite. A good steak, seafood and a well-cooked sweet potato were always welcome.

Elroy was a devoted member of Friedens Church of Washington, where he was actively involved with the church council, cemetery committee and sports leagues. His faith, his church and the relationships built there were important parts of his life.

As a father, Elroy was supportive, understanding, patient and kind. He coached their sports teams, attended countless games, helped raise fair animals, guided his children and taught by example. One of the lessons he leaves behind is simple but lasting: work hard, have a good attitude, take pride in what you do and do it right.

But few roles brought Elroy more joy than being Pa to his four grandchildren.

He attended their sporting events, listened intently to whatever they wanted to talk about, got down on the floor to play with toys, provided a lap whenever one was needed and gave the kind of hugs they will never forget. He didn’t need a special occasion or elaborate activity to enjoy his grandchildren. Simply seeing them and spending time with them was enough.

Elroy had a calming presence. His love was not something his family ever had to question, it was felt constantly through his words, his actions, his support, his time and his embrace.

He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Denise Stolz; his daughter, Leslie Stewart and husband Barclay Stewart, and their children, Sloane and Bauer; his son, Wesley Stolz and wife Amanda Stolz, and their children, Riggs and Rhett; his brothers and their wives, Wayne and Pam, Ray and Sally, and James and Linda; and family, friends and community who were blessed by his kindness, generosity and love.

Elroy’s legacy can be found in the family he loved, the friends he cherished, the work he took pride in and the grandchildren who will grow up knowing how deeply their Pa loved them.

He will be remembered for his patience, his kindness, his joyful spirit, his work ethic, his steady presence and his great hugs.

Most of all, he will be remembered for his love.

Please join us for visitation on Saturday, September 5th at Friedens Church of Washington from 9:00 am - 10:00 am followed by a celebration of life starting at 10:00 a.m.

Those wishing to honor Elroy’s memory may make memorial contributions to Friedens Church of Washington.