John Hilliard Stansill

John Hilliard Stansill 65, of Hermitage, Mo., died Monday, April 4, 2005, at St. John's hospital in Springfield, after an illness. He was born on Jan. 22, 1940, in Lanagan, Mo., to the late Archilla Stansill and Lora Katherine (Puryear) Stansill.

He was born and raised in McDonald County. He worked as a mechanic for auto dealerships, working for Glazier Trucking for several years in Liberty, Mo. He was a member of the Two-Wheeler club helping with many fund-raisers to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital and the Shriner's Organization.

He is survived by five sons, John Stansill, of Joplin, Vance Stansill of Joplin, Rodney Stansill, of Nevada, Leslie Goswick, of Pontiac, Ill., and Sean Stansill, of Lee's Summit, Mo.; three daughters, Deeann Watkins, Marty of Joplin, Tammy Wilkins, of Galena, Kan., and Kelly Kosnik of Lee's Summit, Mo.; two brothers, Jim Stansill, of Atlanta, Ga., Charles Collins, of Cameron, Mo.; three sisters, Earlene Stansill, of Hermitage, Mo.; Linda Kirkman, of Collins, Mo., and Sue Collins of Clinton, Mo.; 26 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth Stansill, Donald Stansill, and Ronald Stansill; and a son, Mark Stansill.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 8, at 2 p.m., at the Lanagan Cemetery in Lanagan, Mo. The Rev. Randy DePriest will officiate. His sons will serve as casket bearers. Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace" and "Blue Bayou." Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Walker-Dowd Funeral Home Chapel in Anderson, Mo. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker-Dowd Funeral Home of Anderson, Mo.