John Benjamin Stillwell, age 88, son of John and Doris Benjamin Stillwell, was born July 8, 1931, in Woodsville, N.H. He passed away Nov. 28, 2019, in Houston, Mo.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Evelyn Webler.
He is survived by his wife, Peni “Joan” Stillwell; and his 14 children: John Stillwell of Oklahoma, William Stillwell of Oklahoma, Patricia Foster of Idaho, Lucy Polk of Oklahoma, Francis Hollifield of Oklahoma, Michael Stillwell of Oklahoma, Deana Stillwell of Oklahoma, Sunshine Johnson of Missouri, Doris Mitchell of Missouri, Rachel Sanders of Arkansas, Joseph Stillwell of Missouri, Rebecca Pousson of Arkansas, Seth Stillwell of Missouri and Marah Stillwell of Missouri, as well as dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a few great-great-grandchildren.
John grew up in Bradford, Vt., until he was 12 when the family moved to Montpelier, where he graduated in 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953.
He married Patricia Myers on July 30, 1954. They had seven children: John, Bill, Patty, Lucy, Frankie, Michael and Deana.
John married Joan Hoard on Dec. 8, 1974. They had seven children: Sunshine, Doris, Rachel, Joe, Becky, Seth and Marah.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in the church when needed all his life, including Sunday school teacher, choir director and branch president.
He was a master gardener and loved being outside. He could make things grow and loved to learn, as well as teach. He loved young people and spent his entire life raising them.
One of his favorite phrases was “Be good and you’ll be happy.” He was right. He was right about most things.
The family hosted a 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, memorial service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Cremation was under the care of Evans Funeral Home.