Gunnery Sergeant Alan Lee Stidham - USMC Retired

Alan Lee Stidham was born on April 11, 1936, in Dayton, Ohio, to Vinard and Hazel Stidham. He answered God's call to come home on Sept. 14, 2012.

Alan Lee graduated from Phillipsburg High School in Ohio and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for 21 years including two tours in Vietnam. He always greeted his fellow veterans with a handshake and a "Welcome Home."

Alan was an accomplished pedal steel guitar player and enjoyed making music and traveling with various bands over the years. He loved to fish, hunt and play cards -- especially a family card game, Shanghai Rummy -- which he always seemed to win. Spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He recently began attending Milo Baptist Church and they quickly became his spiritual family and support.

Alan Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his only sibling, a sister, Linda Marcum; one daughter, Melanie Sue Stidham; granddaughter, Mallory Henson; and special son-in-law, Jim Beem Jr.

His survivors include his wife, Lynda Stidham; five children, Jeanne Marie Haggard, Pagan Beem, Donald Stidham, Melissa Stidham, Cindy Pringle and her husband, Joey; two stepdaughters and their spouses, Jeannie and William Pearce and Gayle and Rick McDonald. He was a proud grandpa to 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., today, at Milo Baptist Church, Milo, Mo., with the Rev. Jim Davis officiating. Friends may call now and until 10: a.m., today, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Marines' Toys For Tots Program in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Having never met a stranger there will be a host of friends who will miss his gentle smile and sparkling baby blue eyes.

Home in Heaven -- we will see you soon. Semper Fi.

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