Mickey Stanley, age 69, passed away on Wednesday July 26, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on April 9, 1948 in Joplin, Missouri the son of the late Stewart M. and Naomi (Gatewood) Stanley. He has been a lifetime resident of Joplin.

Mickey graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1966 and attended MSSU from 1967-1968. He served his country in the Missouri National Guard. He was a licensed pilot and the youngest pilot to be certified at Mizzou Aviation. He was an American Chartered Life Underwriter and had his Insurance Licensure. He also received his Soccer Coaching Certification.

Mickey was a lifelong entrepreneur. He began his industrious career as a BMA Insurance Agent from 1971-1975. He served as the President of Junge Baking Company in 1976 and was the owner of Stanley Construction from 1980 – 1986. He was the President of Benefit Management and Vice President of MedPay from 1982-1987. Mickey was a partner in Mickey’s Burgers from 1985-1986 and partner in BS Construction from 1989-1994. He was owner of Ubetcha Products from 1992-1995 and Truckmeister in 1994.

One of Mickey’s proudest accomplishments was the restoration of the Joplin Elks Club at 4th and Pearl. He was instrumental in getting the building placed on the National Historic Registry. Mickey was very proud of rededicating his life to Christ and was baptized in 2005. He remained dedicated to God and was a very spiritual man. He enjoyed running, soccer, aviation, snow skiing, and was an excellent woodworker, making furniture and cabinetry.

He married DeeDee Chambers on April 26, 1996. He was a very kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and was known for his lengthy friendships. Pool night was held weekly for over twenty years with Vic, Walt and the guys.

Mickey is survived by his wife DeeDee Stanley, Joplin; his children and grandchildren; Shannon Stanley Merkel and her children, Brittne, Morgyn, Austin and Tyler, Nicole Stanley Burgtorf and husband Christopher and their son, Campbell, Allison Stanley Rogers and husband Sam and their children, Ben and Emme, and Preston Patton Autry; one brother, Randy Stanley and wife Judy; two sisters, Carrol Wood and husband Jim, and Mary Kay Thompson and husband Todd; two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

A Memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Steve Gannaway, a family friend, will officiate. A visitation will immediately follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be given to NALA or the Joplin Humane Society in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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