John Stockdale

John William Stockdale, age 59, of rural Sheldon, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 6, 2009 at his home.        John was born July 23, 1949, in Lamar, to Lester “Ott” and Armilda (Elrod) Stockdale.  A life-long Barton County resident, John attended Grange Country School and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1967.  On August 22, 1970, at Dudenville, Missouri, he married Marilyn Clyman and they ran a livestock operation in Barton County all their married lives. In addition to raising livestock, John joined the Missouri National Guard, serving from 1970 to 1976.  Committed to his community as well as his family and his farm, John was elected as a Barton County Commissioner in 1982, began his 26 years of service in 1983, and was still working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all Barton County residents.  He was a member of the Missouri Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, Economic Security Council, Missouri County Commissioners Association, Barton County Chamber, and the Lamar Downtown Association.  John was an active member of Sheldon Christian Church where he served as a deacon.        Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, of the home; his son and fiancé, Jason Stockdale of Oranogo and Whittney Burrow of Webb City; a brother Truman & wife Elaine Stockdale, Corinth, Mississippi; two sisters, Sharon Stockdale, Madera, California, and Eloise & husband William Dwyer, Mountain Home, Arkansas; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Clyman and brother-in-law, David & wife Glenda Clyman, all of Nevada, Missouri; and a large extended family.  John was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Oscar Clyman; and a half-brother, Darvin Stockdale.        Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 9th, at First Christian Church of Lamar with burial in Dudenville Cemetery south of Golden City.        The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Sheldon Christian Church.        Memorial contributions are suggested to Sheldon Christian Church, Barton County Emergency Services, or American Diabetes Association, in care of Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.