Johnnie “Kenneth” Stanley

Johnnie “Kenneth” Stanley, age 87, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Cassville, Missouri.

Kenneth, known as Dad and Papa Great, was born August 6, 1938 in Wheaton, Missouri the son of O.C. and Twyla (Harrell) Stanley. On June 26, 1959 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Savage. They were blessed with 66 wonderful years together.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Jane of the home; one daughter, April Shockley and her husband David of Wheaton, Missouri; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Goetz and her husband Trent of Exeter, Missouri and Lindsey Joeckel and her husband Curtis of Cassville, Missouri, and one grandson, Chris Shockley and his wife Libby of Wheaton, Missouri. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Tyson, Jolee Kate, and Truman Goetz, Tate and Paityn Joeckel, and Mitchell, Ian, and Audrey Shockley; brothers, Dennis Stanley and his wife Reva of Sibley, Missouri, and David Stanley and his wife Penney of Exeter, Missouri; sister, Linda Ruark of Monett, Missouri, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins he counted as close friends and many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother-in-law, Jack Ruark and a nephew, Tom Ruark.

Some of Kenneths fondest memories were made with his great grandchildren just down the road: Tyson, Jolee Kate, and Truman. The Greats house was famous for Sunday lunches and going to feed the cattle daily. The two chairs down by the cow lot were where Tyson and Papa Great spent a lot of time talking and making their plans while watching the cows come up to eat. They were his best friends that brought so much joy and love to his life.

Kenneth attended school at Ridgley then Wheaton, Missouri. He served his country in the United States Army for two years while stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia. Upon returning home he was employed by EFCO Corporation in Monett for 12 years, he then began farming full-time. Kenneth loved taking care of cattle. He hauled cattle for Springfield Livestock Auction for many years and loved every minute of it. Kenneth lived 87 years to the fullest. Kenneth attended the Ridgley Assembly of God Church.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 12, 2026 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Reverend Matt Tripp will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Chitwood Cemetery in Wheaton, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

Contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus in memory of Kenneth.