Milton David Stackhouse, 64, taxi driver
MILTON David Stackhouse had his own way of ministering to people: He drove them in his cab. "My son knew the Lord," said his mother, Estella Stackhouse. "He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
MILTON David Stackhouse had his own way of ministering to people: He drove them in his cab.
"My son knew the Lord," said his mother, Estella Stackhouse. "He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
"He did not attend on any regular basis, however. As I think about it, he was engaged in a type of ministry of his own as he served his taxi customers."
His customers must have loved him and his message because they kept coming back. Milton had customers who continued to call him over the 35 years he drove for various taxi companies.
Milton died of a heart attack at the wheel of his cab on July 5. It was his 64th birthday. He lived in West Philadelphia.
"My son got to see his birthday, a true blessing," his 90-year-old mother said. "The suddenness of his death has been difficult, but I trust God."
Milton, called Stack by family and friends, attended public schools, but did not get a diploma. He later got his GED.
"I was so proud of my dad," said his son Dwayne DeShields. "He did not complete school the expected way. But he set the right example for us to value education."
Milton was married to the late Marlene Diane DeShields. He was dedicated to his children and grandchildren.
"Stack was a family man all the way," said his sister, Zakiyya "Jackie" Stackhouse. "He was the McDonald's, pizza, ice-cream and all-around junk-food provider for them all. All the children were happy to see him come."
"My father set a great example for us in terms of a strong work ethic," Dwayne said. "He also showed us how to love others and serve them. He had several jobs throughout his life, but his true joy and love was driving a taxi cab.
"He was known throughout the Philadelphia area, especially the West Philadelphia area, as a dependable and devoted friend to all patrons who needed a cab in the early mornings. His customers were sort of like family for him."
Besides his mother, sister and son, he is survived by five other sons, Swayne, James, Christopher, Julius and David; a daughter, Larushia, and seven grandchildren.
Services: 11 a.m. today at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 5738 Race St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be private.