David L. Stanton

David Lee Stanton, age 81, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Guest Home Estates in Garnett.

Dave was born on September 24, 1944, in Burlington, Kansas, the son of Bruce and Emma (McCullough) Stanton. He attended Emporia High School, graduating with the Class of 1963. Following school, Dave lived in Emporia and worked as a delivery driver for the Schlitz beer truck. It was during these years that Dave began umpiring fast-pitch softball games in the Emporia area, a hobby that kept him active in the local sports scene. In 1969, Dave's best friend, Joe, introduced him to a waitress at the Emporia Eagle's Club named Susan McDonald.

Dave and Susan were united in marriage on June 30, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church in Emporia, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children, Carrie and Tony. After moving to Garnett, Dave started Stanton Tire Repair. Specializing in farm tires, the job allowed him to travel the countryside, where he was known for "scouting" the area to find all the best farm ponds to fish in. Throughout his working years, Dave also spent time at Shore Tire in Ottawa, Deep Rock Appliance, the Co-Op in Greeley and Garnett, and Stanton Tire and Service. He eventually worked for Rooney Trucking hauling mail until his retirement in 2015.

Dave was a larger than life character with a heart of gold. He truly loved being around people and was often the center of attention, always ready with a well-timed joke. He had a natural gift for connecting with children, and he loved his time spent as a youth coach, organizing fishing tournaments, fixing bicycle tires for free and serving as a janitor at St. Rose Catholic School. For many years, he brought a special magic to Garnett by stepping into the role of Santa Claus.

Dave cherished family trips to Table Rock, Beaver Lake, and numerous local lakes with the McDonald family. These outings were filled with boating, camping, and endless memories made on the water. He spent hours driving the boat so the children could water ski and tube. Dave was also famously the leader of "snipe hunts" during their camping trips. On these excursions, he was affectionately known to everyone by his lake persona, "Vern". On the lake trips, he and his big skillet made delicious biscuits and gravy for the family.

Sports played a significant role in Dave's life. He played catcher for the Harris Hillbillies men's fast pitch softball team. He spent over forty years as a fixture on the diamond, umpiring countless baseball and softball games. On a summer evening you may still hear the baseball fields echo one of the greatest strike calls of all time. Even after hanging up his umpire mask, Dave's love for the game remained, and he could frequently be found in his truck watching the Legion ball games. He was especially proud to get to watch his grandsons play sports. He was a supportive grandfather, always instilling confidence in them and complementing them on their endeavors.

He was a man of faith and community, serving as a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. As a longtime member of the Optimist Club, he cooked countless "Opti-Burgers." Dave's hobbies were as varied as his talents; he found peace in the intricate art of making stained glass to give to family and sell to friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting quail, pheasant, rabbit and squirrel. He was also an opportunistic fisherman who never passed a farm pond that looked fishable, and he always relished a meal made from the day's catch. Above all else, Dave's greatest joys were found in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with his family, sharing a dance with his beloved Susan, playing cards and bowling,

Lottery and scratcher tickets were a fixture in Dave's life. He played faithfully and employed the strategy that he developed with Dwyane Foltz to increase their odds in hitting the Powerball, unfortunately they never cracked the code to win the big one. In his retirement years, Dave may have set the unofficial record for miles spent traveling around the north lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Emma Stanton; three brothers and one sister, Vernon, Roy, Connie Baker, and Billy Stanton.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Stanton, of the home; his children, Carrie Stanton and David Head and Tony and Kaylene Stanton; three grandsons, who lovingly called him Papa Dave, Will, Hudson, and Hank; sister, Robin Jones and Jack; brother in law, Kenny Baker; and several nieces and nephews as well as a host of family and friends who will miss his humor and heart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. Dave's family will greet friends on Friday evening from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Muddogs Baseball. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com