ts 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