Stanley Tuton

Funeral services for Stanley Tuton were held on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Mills Community Church in Mills, NE, with Pastor Kenley Udd, officiating. Larry Shepperd gave the Eulogy, and Jordan German read the obituary. Music was provided by Steve Swanson, pianist, Sara Frederick was in charge of registration, and Janet Ferguson and Mindi Megown Loyd were flower attendants. Honored guests were Ann (Tuton) Megown, and Larry Shepperd. Casket bearers were Jed German, Casey Carr, Jordan German, Jesse Carr, Eli Carr, Justin German, Jayden German, Jake German, Jack German, Jenny (German), and Ellie (Carr) Dickerson. Honorary casket bearers were Jeff Cook John Frederick, and Russell Schrantz.

Interment was in the Olive Branch Cemetery in Mills, NE. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Stanley Jerome Tuton was born September 30, 1938, in Mills, NE, at his home to Dewitt and Bernice (Schoettger) Tuton.

After graduating from Keya Paha County High School in 1956, Stan enrolled for one semester at the University of Nebraska-Omaha as a new recruit for the men’s baseball team before transferring to Chadron State College, finishing his college baseball career there.

Stan married Ann Megown in June 1958, after which time they moved to Chadron, NE, where he completed his studies while holding down two jobs. Stan graduated with honors with a health and physical science and biology major, and a minor in social studies.

At Veteran High School, in Veteran, WY, he taught biology, science, and PE. While there, he had the opportunity to coach a great basketball team, finishing one year as state runner-up and the following year as the Class C state champion.

Stan and Ann made many friends in Veteran, particularly the Haas family that took them in as their own, and they have remained friends and in contact throughout the years. Upon his father Dewitt’s death in 1964, Stan returned to the family farm to help his mother, Bernice.

He relished the 17 years in office at the Keya Paha County courthouse as county superintendent of schools.

When Stan returned to teaching history and PE at KPHS in 1980, he coached girls’ basketball, track, and volleyball for many years before retiring in 2002.

Stan strongly believed in the importance of civic duties and enjoyed serving on the KBR Rural Electric board for 18 years after retiring from teaching.

Anyone who knew Stan, knows he loved baseball, having played organized baseball for over 30 years (Bassett and Springview Legion, UNO, Chadron State College, and Gregory Men’s Town Team). His adult baseball career with the Gregory Men’s Town Team produced many summers of enjoyment. He knew every rule in the rule book and even had it ready in his back pocket if the umps needed clarification.

Stan and Ann kept busy going to grandkids’ activities for over 30 years. He loved deer hunting with the grandsons and teaching them to shoot. As many of you know, he had a lot of Facebook friends and got a kick out of stirring up trouble there. He looked forward to phone visits with his sister Ann and delighted in giving his kids a call in order to give them a few words of wisdom. They never left his home without him telling them to “watch for deer” and to “keep your eyes peeled on the road.”

Stan was a man who loved learning, and he extended his learning into obtaining a masters degree in education. Stan lived contentedly and simply. He loved Jesus, his family, and friends.

He passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 85 after a battle with bile duct cancer.

Stan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann; daughters, Brenda (Eric) German of Imperial, NE, and Amy (Jeff) Carr of Hot Springs, SD; sister Ann (Mick) Megown; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great- grandchildren; daughter-in-law Evangeline; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by son Mark Tuton.