Bruce Allen Stayton M.D.

1955 - 2016

Bruce Allen Stayton, M.D., passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, in Independence, MO, at the age of 61.

Bruce was born on January 21, 1955, to Manley David Stayton Jr. and Eleanore Jean (Elefson) Stayton in Kansas City, MO. He was raised there and baptized a member of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1963. He graduated in 1973 from Oak Park High School and attended Graceland College for 3 years. There he met Kathy L. Smith of East Jackson, MI, and the two were married on May 29, 1976. Shortly before their marriage, Bruce was accepted into medical school at St. Louis University and graduated with an M.D. in 1980. He completed a residency program in Family Practice in Peoria, IL, in 1983 and then began practicing as a Family Practice Physician and Allergist in Audubon, Iowa. Dr. Stayton returned to the Kansas City area in 1985 to open an allergy clinic in Independence, which he ran for over 20 years serving others. His clinic was his medical ministry; he never turned anyone away regardless of their ability to pay.

Bruce loved family and his church fellowship. He was ordained a Priest in 1976 and an Elder in 1986 and was an active member of the Restoration Branches in the Independence area. His favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening, reading, hunting, and playing the cello. He never passed up an opportunity to lecture on his favorite topics or teach others. He loved to travel, especially to National Parks and the Boundary Waters in Minnesota; and spent many happy days camping with family and friends. Bruce was a lifelong music lover and passed this appreciation on to his children. The hymns of the church were very special to him and continued to bring him comfort to the very end of his life on earth.

Dr. Stayton is survived by his wife, Kathy Stayton of Independence, MO; children Jonathan Stayton of Independence, MO; Isaac Stayton of Enfield, CT; Jeremy Stayton and wife Dori of Chicago, IL; Elizabeth (Stayton) Pearson and husband Brendan of Liberty, MO; grandchildren Kiya Stayton (Jonathan) and Oliver Pearson (Elizabeth). He is also survived by his brothers Don Stayton, Mark Stayton, James Stayton and Scott Stayton, and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Manley and E. Jean Stayton and son Samuel Allen Stayton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at South Crysler Restoration Branch in Independence (16101 E. Salisbury Rd., Independence, MO 64050).

To honor Dr. Stayton's memory, take the time to teach a child the love of the Savior and the outdoors. Donations may also be made to the following charities: Mount Zion Music Association (Attention: Tammy Tandy) via mail at: 323 S. Crane, Independence, MO 64050; and African Restoration Ministries (http://africaministries.org).