STANCEL LEE WRIGHT April 12, 1946 – April 17, 2024 Born in Nevada, Missouri. Paola, Kansas Residence. Stan was the second of three children born to Alfred Sneed Wright. After Alfred’s untimely passing in 1952, Stan, his sister, (Allene Hummel) and brother (Larry Wright, deceased) moved to Montrose, Missouri where Stan was loved and cared for by their maternal grandparents Fred and Hattie Fogg. Stan’s grandparents instilled into him a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a passion for animals which would shape his life forever. His grandfather recognized and nurtured Stan’s ability to fix anything and taught him how to use his hands to build. Fred and Hattie were the greatest influences on young Stan’s life. The love of family and dedication to the Lord were fostered in those early years.
Stan joined the US Navy in 1963. He attended Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois. He then travelled to Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee for training in aircraft maintenance. Once training was completed, he was assigned to VA-134 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. While assigned to VA-134, the Squadron was deployed to the South China Sea to support Combat Operations in Vietnam. Stan, an aircraft maintenance mechanic, attained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class during his four years in the Navy. Stan completed his enlistment in 1967 and left to explore new opportunities.
After leaving the Navy, Stan returned home to Missouri, got married and eagerly started his family. His son Christopher Lee was born in 1968, Jennifer Lee in 1969 and Richell (Chely) Rene in 1970. In 1972, he put down roots with his young family in Wellsville, Kansas and joyfully played an active role in the community. He wore many hats Cub Scout leader, reserve police officer, softball coach, bandmate, Saddle Club member, teacher, mentor, church congregant and trusted, reliable neighbor and friend. Stan modeled core values of honesty, integrity, hard work, accountability and excellence for his children. Stan obtained his CDL in 1972 and for the next twenty-eight years, he drove a concrete truck in the Kansas City Metro area for Botsford Ready Mix. He also owned a small business in the 1980’s, C&S Flatwork. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 541 until 1990. Coon hunting was one of the joys of Stan’s life. He was an AKC/UKC grandmaster judge, presiding over bench and night hunt shows. Stan wrote editorial pieces and feature articles published in Full Cry magazine, the premiere publication of the sport. One of Stan’s greatest achievements in coon hunting was raising and training Wright’s Kansas Cody, a registered Walker coonhound who was awarded AKC/UKC Grand Bench Champion and Grand Night Champion. Stan enjoyed hunting with his children and with his friends. Stan chose to leave Botsford Ready Mix in 1990 to embark on a major career pivot to fulfill his aspirations of providing quality and wholesome entertainment to the public. He co-founded and was the emcee for the award-winning Flint Hills Opry. In an historic theater in Burlington, Kansas, this live music show provided local and regional talent the opportunity to hone their skills in front of sold-out audiences every Saturday night.
On June 15th, 1996, Stan exchanged vows with the love of his life, Verna Marie Flood Wright. Stan and Verna’s union blessed him with the opportunity to love and nurture Verna’s three children Kimberly Souders, Jimmie Flood and Marissa Herrstrom whose father had passed in 1995. The blending of families was seamless and beautiful from the very beginning. In 2002, Stan began working for ACI Concrete Placement in Spring Hill. Leveraging his years of industry knowledge and his commitment to clients, he was a trusted resource for sales and service of cement pumps, Stan played an important role in the success of the business. He retired from ACI in 2011. Stan came out of retirement in 2011 to drive the school bus for Paola and then for Spring Hill. He took his job of delivering young lives to and from school very seriously. He loved those kids and they loved him. Stan was proud of his son, Chris a career United States Marine. Despite having served in the Navy, Stan wore a USMC watch on his wrist and delighted in celebrating his Master Gunnery Sargent son in every way possible. He was immensely proud of Chris for his career achievements, but perhaps even more proud of who Chris is as a husband, a father and a grandpa. Stan beamed with pride when anyone asked him about Jennifer. Whether it was Jennifer’s accomplishments as a manager for Doubletree Hotels, a small business owner, a volunteer who cared for the elderly or a dedicated mother of three amazing kids, Stan admired her strength and her kindness and held Jennifer in very high regard. Their relationship grew stronger and stronger over the years and they both felt lucky to have such a deep connection. Stan was a curious and empathetic man with an extraordinary capacity to grow and learn. When his daughter Chely came out as the first openly gay country music artist, Stan’s public affirmation was unequivocal and heartfelt. His appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show not only had a profound effect on the LGBTQ community, but his words were also transformative for the families who love them as well. “Don’t close the door. Open your heart.” Stan and Chely always shared a special bond. Stan meant a lot to Kimberly. He was always there to lend a helping hand, to listen, to encourage and to offer support and advice when needed. His unconditional love, understanding and acceptance was unmatched and so appreciated. Kimberly remembers fondly that she never left Stan’s presence without his saying, “I love you, be careful” and adds that she couldn’t have asked for a better father figure and Poppa for her children. Stan was an amazing father figure for Jimmie and made a huge impact on his life. They spent time camping, hunting, fishing and shooting. Jimmie sought Stan’s guidance and wisdom on big life decisions. Stan was very proud of Jimmie and enjoyed being an engaged and active grandpa to his four sons; one of whom was given the middle name “Stancel.” Stan and Marissa had a close relationship. He was so proud of her and the family she built. Marissa relied on Stan’s good advice, his great wisdom and found him to be “always fair and non-judgemental.” Stan enjoyed Marissa’s sense of humor and they had a lot of laughs together. Stan was clear in his conviction that Verna’s love was a gift from God. He marveled at her genuine goodness and knew how lucky he was to be her husband. Verna wishes to share the following. “Stan, twenty-eight years was just not enough. I am so very grateful for your love, your patience and your kindness. I will forever love you and miss you.” Stan and Verna’s farm has served as home-base for their children, sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They built their beautiful home and their happy life, brick by brick and memory by memory. Stan never met a stranger and lived his life to the fullest. He dedicated his time to fishing with kids and grandkids, taking care of the farm, being good to animals, riding motorcycles, fixing cars, building homes, cheering on the KC Chiefs and KC Royals, loving Verna with his whole heart and showing up in every way for his family and his friends.
Stan is survived by his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Verna Marie Flood Wright, and by his children Chris Wright (Karla), Jennifer Fogleman (Doug), Chely Wright (Lauren), Kimberly Souders (Matt), Jimmie Flood (Julie) Marissa Herrstrom (Lynn). His grandchildren: Amanda Werdehausen (Casey), Erika Wright, Johnny Schmidt, Max Archer, Tyler Flood (Alexis), Jarrett Souders, Blake Flood, Amelia Archer, Jack Herrstrom, Henry Archer, Jesse Flood, Jenna Herrstrom, Charles Flood, Landon Souders, Everett Blitzer-Wright and George Blitzer-Wright. His great grandchildren: Nevaeh Werdehausen, Kohen Werdehausen, Kina Wright, Amary Werdehausen, Joleigh Schmidt and Levi Flood.
Stan had three half siblings: Johnnie Thomas (deceased), Pamela Ellerman (deceased) and Alonzo Ellerman.
Stan will be remembered as a dedicated family man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stan’s name to The Kansas City Fisher House.
Celebration of Life : May 2nd, 2024, Spring Hill Community Center , 613 S Race Spring Hill Ks. 66083 . Time 5:00 to 8:00 PM
