Obituaries

Glen Stoner

Index >> Obituaries >> Glen Stoner >>

Glen Stoner
March 13, 2013

Glen Edward Stoner, 88, of Shawnee, Kan., passed away peacefully in his home on the evening of March 13, 2013, surrounded by his family. Called "Papa" by his children and grandchildren, Glen was a Christian gentleman in his life and his death. Born March 1, 1925, Glen was the youngest of seven children. Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After artillery training, he was transferred to the infantry under Patton, earning a Bronze Star for valor at the Battle of the Bulge. He further distinguished himself on the frozen battlefields of Korea, earning another Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. His squad surrounded, Glen selflessly drew enemy machine gun fire, and coordinated a counter-attack to break through the enemy lines -- enabling his battalion to retreat. His heroism that day saved dozens of American lives, but not without cost: his knee, shattered by a sniper's bullet, would never be the same. In 1952, Glen married Patricia, the love of his life, and the couple was blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Cindi. After serving as a noted high school ROTC instructor in the Kansas City area while earning his college degree from UMKC, Glen transferred to Cold War Europe with Army counter- intelligence, earning numerous commendations for his diligent efforts in the service of his country. After retiring from the Army as a Master Sergeant, Glen again continued to serve his country for another 20 years as special agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and received a presidential commendation for his investigative work. Glen fought and beat colon cancer in the 1980s, and lived to see his seven grandchildren play and grow around him. In his new role as Papa, the loving grandfather was always his grandchildren's first and best friend. He always provided for them, having no greater wish than to see them graduate college and do something every day "for the good of your country." After he retired, Glen served the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course as a volunteer marshal for 20 years. The family asks for prayers for Papa, and donations be made to First Baptist Church of Shawnee or to Crossroads Hospice in lieu of flowers. Glen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pat, his two daughters, Lisa Obermeier and husband Steve and Cindi Johnson and husband Todd; and his seven grandchildren, Michael (Sara), Daniel and Matthew Obermeier; Mitchell, Grant, Annaliese and Brett Johnson; as well as his cat of five years, Smokey. Glen exemplified Christ's love to them all. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. A private family burial with full military honors will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.amosfamily.com Arr.: Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory, (913) 631-5566.

Published in Kansas City Star on March 15, 2013