"We are so sorry. I only know of him from a Facebook post. The whys of suicide will never be known to most of us. Everytime I see someone make this tragic decision I want to make them understand people like me care deeply for them. People like me will do anything it takes to help them. He loved water, so do we. But I guess the water stops being beautiful. The air stops smelling fresh and intoxicating. Life just loses it's appeal and it's something we just can't understand. RIP young man, God Bless you and your family. "
In loving memory of
Gage M. Stanton
April 3, 1999 - January 9, 2018
Gage Michael Stanton, son of Terry and Cammie (Skinner) Stanton, was born April 3, 1999 in Maryville, Missouri. He passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
Gage was a member of the Shenandoah High School Bowling and Tennis teams, FFA and Band.
Gage enjoyed hanging out with family & friends, bonfires, hunting, fishing, being outdoors, making people laugh, playing with his dog, Tank, working on and driving his pickup truck, playing the drums and piano, flirting & giving compliments, picking on his sister and helping his dad work the chutes at the Sidney Rodeo.
Gage was known for his quick wit, good sense of humor and his sweet, friendly and outgoing personality. He was intelligent, caring, giving and helpful. Gage was an avid OU fan, very patriotic and a loyal friend.
Gage was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walt Stanton, William and Dianne Skinner, great-grandfather Francis Moore, uncle Rick Stanton and cousin Cole Stanton.
Gage is survived by his parents Terry and Cammie Stanton of Shenandoah; sister Berkley Stanton of Shenandoah; grandmother Evelyn Stanton of Clarinda, IA; great-grandmother Carmen Moore of Maryville, MO; aunts and uncles: Deb Stanton of Claflin, KS, Denny & Dianne Stanton of Clarinda, IA, Cindy Stanton of Glenwood, IA, Stubs & Suzi Stanton of Clarinda, IA, Tim & Tina Stanton of Tabor, IA, Jeff Skinner of Cedar Falls, IA, Rick & Tina Butler of Kansas City, MO, Nick Butler of Des Moines, IA, dozens of cousins, second cousins, extended family and many, many friends.
Celebration of life memorial service will be held 1:00 pm, Monday, January 15, 2018 at the National Guard Armory, 601 W. Ferguson Road, Shenandoah, Iowa.
Open memorial visitation from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm, Sunday, January 14, 2018 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. The family will not be present.
Memorials may be directed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Burial of cremains will be held at a later date at High Prairie Cemetery in rural Elmo, Missouri.
An Important Word From the Family
Gage was always a listener, a shoulder to cry on. He knew when to give a hug or bring humor to those who needed it. He was very sensitive to the struggles of others, because he himself was struggling, though he didn't allow others to see it.
Though we are overcome with grief for our own loss, it is important to acknowledge the grief of others. There are always going to be people who feel the same way Gage did. I think most of us have felt that way at one time or another and many feel that way after a loss like this. The most important thing that everyone here needs to understand is that suicide is not pretty. It's not glamorous, and it is never the right choice. He's getting a lot of attention now but it doesn't mean anything when he isn't here to appreciate it. The love and attention you are searching for is already here. Reach out. Speak out. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you now.
I know it is hard for people to understand the "why" behind suicide. There isn't ever just one reason why. There are a million reasons why every single day. The important thing is that there only has to be one reason why not. Find your one reason and cling to it. Tell your friends and family you love them. Talk to them when you feel like you can't handle the burdens life has handed you. Let them support you when you need it and do the same for them when they need it.
For those who are currently struggling, he's teaching us how important it is to share these struggles. Those who appear the strongest may have the deepest wounds. Be aware. Talk and hug and support one another.
Gage was always up for an adventure, even if it was just driving to every major body of water in the county, or jumping in with a friend who was scared to do it alone. That's the lesson he's been teaching without us even realizing it. Do not let trying times interfere with the rest of your life. Live your adventure and never stop exploring.
-Berkley Stanton
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Tributes
"Our deepest thoughts and prayers to you all. Wes and Lori Meyerholtz"
"Thoughts and prayers with you all. So very sorry. Buck and Jennifer (Edwards) Sells "
"Lifting you all up in my prayers. Praying for peace and comfort in the days to come!"
"Terry, Cammie & Family- You have been on my mind every day since I found out about your loss. I am heartbroken for you and so sorry you have to endure this. May you find comfort and peace in the many days to come. Christy Goudie Riley"
"Terry, Cammie, and the entire Family-- So very sorry for your loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are going out to all of you! God Bless....Paul Stickelman"
"Sending prayers to the Stanton family. From Gary and Connie Moore"
"So very sorry! Sending our thoughts and prayers for strength, healing, and peace to the entire Stanton family."
"So sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts to your family "
"Cammie, Terry and the Stanton Family--Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers for strength and healing for your broken hearts. May God hold eich of you tightly today and in the days ahead. Roger and Lois Wagoner "
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stanton family! May you find peace and comfort in God's love! With deepest sympathy. "
"To the Stanton family. We send you our thoughts and prayers Our hearts break for you. Phil and Monica Mather "
"So, so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Gage. All our love, Randy & Laurie Weeda"
"I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers. If you need anything please let me know."
"There are no families like the Stanton family, and I love you so. I pray God will show you how to work together to survive this. Gage was a wonderful young man, so intelligent and charming, and he will be missed by so many. "
"May God wrap his arms around all of your family and give you peace strength to get through this trying time. Darlene Larabee"
"To the entire Stanton family, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for all of you. You are a strong family, I pray that strength can hold you up during this very difficult and tragic time. I will keep each and everyone of you in my prayers. ~~ Kelly (Blasi) Lasher"
"I just learned of this tragedy today, I and Brenda are so saddened by this, and we pray strength for you.. You will get through this and learn how to breathe, think clearly, smile, and laugh again.. We know your pain and if ever you to want lean on a sympathetic ear please let know."
"Terry and Cami, our hearts our breaking for you. It's difficult to find the right words to say but want you to know you know we haven't stopped thinking about you guys and all of your family. Sending lots of love and hugs to you. Jerad & Michelle Kruse"
"Dear Terry, We are so very sorry. Want you to know we're thinking about you and sending you our deepest sympathy. Take Care~ Alan and Pete "
"I am sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family at this sensitive time. "
"I'm praying for your broken hearts."
"There are no words...thoughts and prayers ..may you find peace in the coming days."
"So very very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort and understanding."
"Our very deepest sympathies. Tim and Shawna Dreyer"
"My heart hurts for the Stanton family and all of Gage's friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jacque "
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, as he saves those whose spirits have been crushed. Psalm 34:18. All the love in the world, Katy "
"Prayers and comfort for the Stanton a Family, my heart breaks for you, "
"I am feeling so sad for all Gage's family . The loss is unbearable for so many . In days to come keep your loved ones close and all the many friends who care so much . May the Lord wrap his arms around you all ! RIP Gage.."
"Me and my family/church prayed over the stanton family"
"my sister knew gage and they hungout. I dont know him that well but i want to say this.
Gage i hope you are in a good place."
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Stanton Family! Matt and Kat Kennedy"
"No words are adequate to say. Just know so many of your friends have you in their prayers. Our thoughts are with the Stanton family Bruce and Jean Butt"
"My heart goes out to the Stanton family. Gage was such a fine gentleman and he will be missed by many. I pray that you receive peace, love and comfort during this difficult time. "
"My heart goes out to the Stanton family. Gage was such a fine gentleman and he will be missed by many. I pray that you receive peace, love and comfort during this difficult time. "
"Terry, my heart is breaking for you and the entire Stanton clan. So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy Gage. "
"Denny and family, so sorry for your loss, may God give you strength and comfort."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Michael and Janelle Thompson"
"Hearts are broken everywhere. God Bless the Stanton's and grant you peace. -Paula Olson"
"We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Kathy Wallace and family "
"My heart goes out to all of Gage's friends and family. He was a wonderful young man and will be greatly missed by many. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you have of him. Sending prayers and hugs during this difficult time. Jess Eggers"
"So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with your whole family."
"Gage you Will be missed my prayers go out to all of you. Sandy"
"To All The Stanton Family You are in our prayers with this unimaginable loss and always. David and GayRea Mulkins "
"We'll never understand why he's gone so soon but, I'm proud to say I've known the whole Stanton Clan all my life. They're as resilient of a family as I have ever known. You will get through this. God Bless you all! Dan and Lori Smith"
"I didn't know Gage but my granddaughter's did, I am so sorry for your loss, such a handsome boy gone to soon ."
"Prayers to your family. I enjoyed our conversations as he checked me out at Walmart.. He always had a smile on his face. Cherish the memories of a kind young man."
"Terry and the Stanton family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you all. Denny and Teresa Perry "
"Prayers fam comfort pray healing. Fam member do the same thing i been there one day at a time Cinthy"
"To the family: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Gage. There is no doubt that his passing will be a great loss to all who knew him. I would love to be there to give all of you hugs. Love to all of you, Aunt Dollie Egger"
"No words can ease the pain of your great loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Hugs to the Stanton family."
"No words"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. --Mike, Janet, Christian and Alyssa Dukes"
" Stanton Family
We are so, so sorry to hear about the death of your son, Gabe. We can't imagine the pain that you and your family are going through. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you hold all the good memories that you had together close to your heart. Dewey & Connie French Family "
"Sending warm thoughts and prayers. May there be comfort in knowing that Gage is with his Nana Dianne and other family in heaven. Bruce & Sharon Cahill"
"Gage was a good friend to everyone and he always had a smile on his face every time he came to school and prayers go to the family of Gage and he will always be in our hearts."
"Our hearts go out to the Stanton family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Terry, Lots of hugs and hugs and hugs to you during this time of sadness. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Elaine and Gregg"
"Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache, but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. Peace be with you and your family. Phyllis Fundermann"
"We are very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. May God be your comfort and strength"
"Im so sorry for your loss. Gage was our snare drum player in Shenandoah's High School 's band. The band and I will miss him a lot. It was all too soon to lose him. "
"So sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts. Just cherish all those memories. Ina and lyle"
"My heart goes out to the Stanton family. No words seem adequate. Love and hugs during this time of such sorrow ."
"I will be praying for you. I'm so sorry. Wade & Joni Kelso "
"We are so sorry for your loss! Keeping you in our prayers, at this very difficult time. Mike and Christi Anderson"
"So very sorry,our prayers are with you. Bob and Sharon Knoup"
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Stanton family. Gage was a great young man and will be greatly missed. Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Tom and Jan Stevenson"
"Thoughts and prayers to the family. Gone way to soon."
"Prayers go out to the family of Gage. Amazing young man gone to soon. He will greatly be missed."
"Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. "
"Our heart is breaking, Stanton family you are in our prayers. "
"We are so sorry for your great loss and thinking of your family at this time. Your friends, Buck and Sally Mueller "
"So sorry for the entire Stanton family. It's nearly impossible to imagine what you are going through. Just know we are praying very hard for acceptance of Gages death. To Grandma Evelyn...we love you and you and your family are in our prayers at this time. God be with you."