David Harry Stanley, 78, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026. David attended Kirksville schools and graduated from Lancaster High School. On graduation day he enlisted into the United States Navy, retiring with twenty-one years of service and with the Rank of Storekeeper 1st Class. He received several medals.

David and Beya (Upin Patthumma) were married on January 26, 1979 in Alexandia, VA. They traveled the world while David was in the service. After retiring they lived in Virginia Beach, VA. The went to Tacoma, WA and eventually moved to Kirksville, MO to be near family. David worked at Kirksville College of Osteopathy as a guard. He was also a driver taking new enlistees to Kansas City for induction into the military.

David is survived by his stepchildren, Penny Hooker of NY/Thailand, Patty (Supatra Patthumma) of Washington, Goldie Stanley of Thailand, and Mike Cosner of TX, and step grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Shepherd of North Carolina, Mada (Bill) Perkins of St. Louis, two brothers,, Rex (Beth) Stanley, and Garry (Norma) Stanley all of Kirksville, MO; as well as many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Harry C. and Virginia (Netterfield) Stanley; wife Beya "Upin" Stanley, four sisters, Geneva (Raymond) Black, Cecyle (Bill) Lewis, Zada (Francis) Hamilton, and Judy (Don) Moffitt; and two brothers, Virgil (Mary) Stanley and Dean (Sonja) Stanley.

A Veterans funeral will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Veteran's Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO, where he and his wife Beya will be inurned in the wall. Arrangements will be under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville.

At a later date in the summer a Celebration of Life will be held in Kirksville.