John Stanley Smith, 84, passed away suddenly in his home Tuesday morning, October 4. 2011. Born in Stockton, MO, April 5, 1927, he was the oldest son of John Alden Smith and Willie Aileen (Haden) Smith. Stanley was a graduate of Stockton High School and Drury College, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and in 1968 received his Master's Degree in Business Administration. He was drafted into the Navy and left home the day after WWII ended. He served for a year, then came back to Drury and finished his education. While at Drury, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduation in 1949, he taught at Stockton High School for four years. He began his career as an internal auditor with the Frisco Railroad in 1953, which later merged with the BNSF, and retired in 1982. In 1956, he married Frances Phillips, also from Stockton. They were married for 55 wonderful years. Stanley had many interests. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder, church treasurer, and member of the choir. He loved theatre, and appeared in 14 Springfield Little Theatre productions, along with his children, making it a family affair. He also loved people, and enjoyed working the election polls for 10 years. Stanley's greatest love, however, was his family. He and his wife were devoted to their children and grandchildren. He was a role model as a husband and father, and was described by those who knew him as a "true gentleman." He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughter Jane Bogue and husband Richard, of Springfield; son Phillip Smith, of Columbia; three grandchildren, Joseph, Jocelyn and John Bogue; brother Douglas Smith and wife Connie, of Springfield; nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 9, 2011, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, October 10, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Southminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Bill Havens officiating. Burial will be in the Hazelwood Cemetery, in Springfield, under the direction of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at gormanscharpf@att.net.