John W. Stanton, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

John’s life began on April 16, 1933, in Decatur, the son of Clifford and Olive (Bales) Stanton.

He was united in marriage to the former Odetta Baker on Dec. 21, 1957, in Angola, Ind.

John was employed by Rudy Manufacturing (Sundstrand) in Dowagiac.

He loved to work in his garden.

John’s loving family includes: his children, John (Johnnie) Stanton of Denison, Texas, Kathy (Bill) Munn of Birmingham, Ala., Allen Stanton of Dowagiac, Julie (John) Fankhauser of Jasper and Charlie (Kim) Stanton of Dubuque, Iowa; grandchildren, Jacob, Jeremy, Jessica, Joshua, Kari, Chad, Greg and Robin; great-granddaughter, Hannah Rose; sisters, Doris Wilson, Laura Rohacs, Kate Peterson and Sharon Stanton; and one brother, Jerry Stanton.

John is preceded in death by brothers Don Stanton, Clifford Stanton Jr. and William Stanton and one sister, Opal.

His family will gather with friends on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mission Hills Cemetery for a committal service with military honors followed by visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Calvary Bible Church, where his funeral service will be held at 12 led by Pastor Robert Vickroy.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Borgess Foundation or in care of the family.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving his family.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.yazel-clark.com.