William “Bill” Lee Stanton, 88, a resident of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away peacefully Monday, April 19, 2021 at Foxwood Springs of Raymore in Raymore, MO. He was born March 6, 1933 to Glenn and Margaret (Edwards) Stanton in Bolckow, MO.
Bill is 1951 graduate of Horace Mann High School in Maryville, MO. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Bill was united in marriage to Evelyn Clemons on June 12, 1955 in Maryville, MO. He spent 30 years working as a claims adjuster for Farm Bureau, State Farm, and Ranger Insurance Company. In 2008 Bill and Evelyn started rehabbing home and continued until 2013. Bill was an avid runner, he was a founding member of the Hospital Hill Marathon and one of the original 99 runners. He also competed in the Pikes Peak Marathon several times. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was always their biggest fan.
Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Evelyn Stanton of Lee’s Summit, MO; children, Randy Stanton and his wife Brenda of Napoleon, MO, Carla Prather and her husband Joe of Spring, TX, Janet Spellman and her husband Michael of Grain Valley, MO; grandchildren, Stephen Stanton and wife Cassidy, Shannon Hamilton and husband Jonathan, Angela Davenport and husband John, Jacquelyn Prather, Nicolas Spellman and wife Ally, Tara Dalton; great-grandchildren, Jo Davenport, Tucker Davenport, Rylie Davenport, Johnny Hamilton, Lauren Hamilton, Audra Stanton, Milo Stanton, Sean Stanton, Andrew Stanton, Nathan Stanton, Miller Dalton, Sony Dalton, Lauren Lavo; sister, Helen Marie Weldon of Maryville, MO. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Margaret Stanton; brothers, Howard and Stanley Stanton.
His family will gather to celebrate Bill’s life from 10-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. A private family committal service with full military honors will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Fellowship of John, a fund that provides financial assistance to Foxwood Springs residents that are in need. Memories of Bill and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Bill was my best bud for many, many years. We both relished running and competing in the pikes peak marathon. We ran thru freezing cold and blazing heat. I credit Bill in getting me started in the property management business.
Evelyn, Janet and Family,
I met Bill many years ago when Janet and I were in grade school and became life-long friends. His love for running and his family was always evident. He usually had a smile on his face and an upbeat attitude. I remember how he might tell a corny, Dad joke, but it always made Janet and I laugh. I’m so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
We were blessed to have met Bill and Evelyn through his daughter Carla almost 30 years ago. Over the years we have heard many stories about Bill and have witnessed his loving nature towards his family. His memory will be carried in the hearts of many! Our prayers for comfort and peace.
My family,
Papa Bill was probably my biggest cheerleader – he never lacked for telling me he believed in me, and would follow it up with one of his many tales of life’s adventures. He was one of the best storytellers I ever heard and an even better papa. Love you Papa Bill.
Romans 14:8 – For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.