PAUL STANEK, JR.

The obituary of the honorable Paul Stanek Jr., by his favorite son, Chip Stanek, of whom he is extremely proud.
Paul Stanek was born on Nov. 18, 1942 in Rockford, Ill. When not cheerfully living his dream as a chimney-sweep, he liked to spend time with his beloved pet turtles, Stewart and Sponge...
No... wait... let me start over.
Paul Stanek, 80, was born on Nov. 18, 1942 in Rockford, Ill. He lived his life in service to the Lord. Paul served as the National Training Coordinator for Royal Rangers, influencing thousands of boys and men. He also served as a chaplain in the US Army Reserves.
He married the love of his life, Rhona, clearly batting above his averages. Together they had two children, Heidi and Chip (his favorite son of whom he is extremely proud). She passed away in 2008 and he later met and married a wonderful woman, Velda, yet again, someone out of his league. She was a wonderful spouse and grandmother to his side of the family.
He croaked (his requested word) on Oct. 16, 2023.
He is survived by his son Chip, daughter-in-law Layla, and his two treasured grandsons Quentin and Elliot.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rhona; his second wife, Velda; and his daughter Heidi.
Throughout his Christ-filled life and in everything he did Christ was there. During his Ranger mission of evangelizing, equipping, and empowering men and boys; each Camparama; his military service; the regular Sunday school events and activities with the “Peeps”; during Santa visits to nursing homes; the annual 4th of July celebrations with friends and family; regular ice cream gatherings at Braums with his grandsons; and every other aspect of his life.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in Springfield. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at Life 360 Chesterfield in Springfield. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2 p.m., at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Camp Eagle Rock at campeaglerock.com
His care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.