William Thayer Stalnaker, 79, of Springfield, MO, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

Bill was born on July 28, 1939 in Fairmont, WV to John & Roxie Stalnaker.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara.  Bill was the oldest of five children. His brothers Wendell, John and Richard have since passed and he is survived by his only sister, Rachel Sloan.

Bill received his Bachelor's Degree in History & Physical Education from Fairmont State College.  He devoted his life to his family.  Bill married his High School sweetheart, Barbara, and was married to her for 51 years before her passing in 2012.  He was the proudest of his four children, William Stalnaker, Felicia Mackey, Tracy Adams and Joseph Stalnaker, but nothing could compare to the love he had for the little ones that called him Pops.  Eight beautiful grandchildren, William (Rocky) Stalnaker III, Ashley Westmoreland, Stephen Stalnaker, Dalton Kenley, Ciara Vazquez, Samantha Adams, Ebony Stalnaker and Zuriel Stalnaker. If that wasn't enough, he had six great-grandchildren, Eli Stalnaker, Emily Stalnaker, Kaylee Stalnaker, Lloyd Stalnaker, Legend Westmoreland and London Vazquez.

Words cannot express how the world was changed by what Bill had to offer.  You were a better person for knowing him.  He was an encourager to all who knew him, he never met a stranger and would never let someone go without.

Bill held a few jobs while raising his family, but the one career move he made was to work for the Boys & Girls Club organization. He changed so many lives during his career and had friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime.  He was a father to many.  He retired from the Boys & Girls Club after 40 years.  He was honored with a club that carries his namesake. Retirement was short lived when he was asked to give his time and talents to The Kitchen.  He loved those he worked with, but mostly loved the kids and wanted the best start for all of the families.  His legacy will live on for generations to come.

Bill was a man of great faith.  He loved the Lord and drew great strength from his relationship with God.  He loved his church and was a very active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  He rarely missed a service or an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole, Springfield, MO. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 22 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club Scholarship Fund or to the Kitchen.