John R. Stanley

John was born on August 20, 1945, in New Castle, Indiana, and was 80 years old at the time of his passing. He was the son of the late Walter and Marjorie Stanley of Blountsville, Indiana.

He was a devoted husband of 58 years to Nena Stanley, John was a loving father to Scott Stanley and wife Denna, and to daughter Carol Rust and husband Nathan.

He was a proud Papaw to Aspen Mann and husband Stephen, Johnthan Rust, Liam Rust, and Landon Rust. He was also a proud Great-Papaw to Stephen Mann.

John was preceded in death by his grandson, Bosten Stanley; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Mann; his parents, and his brother, Max Stanley and wife Mickey.

A 1963 graduate of Union High School, John enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard in 1965. He attended Basic Training and AIT at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1966 and entered full-time service with the Indiana National Guard in Winchester, Indiana, in 1969. He faithfully served his country for more than four decades, ultimately retiring with the distinguished rank of First Sergeant in 2005.

John's steady leadership, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to both his country and community earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He was a true patriot who served with honor and integrity throughout his military career and beyond.

Following his retirement from military service, John worked as an Army contractor in Muncie, Indiana, from 2005 until 2011. In retirement, he took great pride and joy in caring for his grandchildren, embracing wholeheartedly his role as a devoted Papaw.

John also served as an Institutional Representative for the Boy Scouts of America from 1972 to 1973. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, served on the Board of Directors for Journey Home, and contributed to the committee for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. He was also a faithful attendee of East Street Church in Winchester, Indiana.

John embraced life fully and never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed and valued, and his warm personality could light up any room. Whether at church, a sporting event, or simply out in the community, he was always quick to offer a smile, a firm handshake, or a kind word. His genuine compassion, generosity, and love for others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Above all else, John deeply loved his family and remained a constant source of support, strength, and encouragement throughout their lives. His willingness to help others extended far beyond his family, and he became affectionately known by many as "Papaw Uber."

John leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, kindness, leadership, and unconditional love. His memory will continue to live on through the many lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example he set for future generations.

Family and friends may gather Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, IN, 47304. A funeral service with military honors will take place Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Elm Ridge Funeral Home. Burial will take place at a later date.