Elmer Charles Stansbery

Elmer Charles "Chuck" Stansbery, age 99, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1926, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and spent his later years in Leslie, Arkansas before making his final home in Ada, Oklahoma.
Chuck was married to the love of his life, Lida Lou Stansbery, for 77 faithful years. Together they built a family legacy rooted in faith, kindness, and perseverance.
He served his country honorably as a Navy Seaman First Class during World War II, from 1943 to 1946. After returning home, getting married, and fathering two boys, he and Lou graduated from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Missouri. Chuck answered the call to ministry, faithfully pastoring Shady Grove Chapel and shepherding others with humility and grace.
A man of many talents, he also found joy in the skies as a private pilot, flying his beloved Stinson Voyager out of Aero Valley Airport in Roanoke, Texas-an airfield owned by Edna Gardner Whyte, a pioneering aviator and friend of Amelia Earhart. In the years following the war, Chuck became both a Ham radio operator and a talented roller-skating champion.
Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Lida Lou Stansbery; his son, Jeffrey Stansbery; and his children-in-love, Jeff and Judy Fairchild, and Martha Anderson. He had the joy of a beautiful, loving family, including 11 grandchildren: Matthew (Esther), Rebekah, Cathie (Jennifer), Melissa, Leisha, Paul (Samantha), Sam, and Faith; 21 great-grandchildren: Daryl (Zack), Haley, Katie (Bailey), Skeeter, Lauren, Stephanie (Max), Lorna (Jesus), Korbin, Alara, Alayna, Gabe, Madison (Cody), Patrick (Mia), Lauren, and Gavin; 12 great-great-grandchildren: Leah, Tucker, Lilliana, Angel, Mason, Kevin, Maricella "Mari," Damian, Delilah, Ezra, Ida, and Brinlee; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Bernice "Fern" Stansbery; his siblings, Mary Jane (Bob), Francis (Hank), and Eugene (Phyllis); his beloved son, Theodore "Teddy" Stansbery; his grandson Mark Fairchild; and great-grandson Anthion Stansbery.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Halo Hospice, Ballard Nursing Center, and Phillips Funeral Home for their compassionate care.