Larry Stanton

Larry Russell Stanton, age 78, of Allendale, passed away peacefully and went home to be with his Lord surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after a 15-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Larry was born in Sandusky, Michigan, to the late Russell and Maxine Stanton. His early years were spent in Allendale, where he attended elementary and middle school. He graduated from Coopersville High School in 1965. Following high school, Larry pursued his calling in ministry at Grand Rapids Baptist College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in religious education in 1969. He later continued his theological studies and received a master’s degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Larry built a long and respected career, first with Oliver Products in Grand Rapids and later with Rapistan (Dematic), where he faithfully worked as an electrician for 32 years before retiring. His reliability and dedication left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike. A lifelong learner, Larry had a natural curiosity about the world. He was a skilled electrician and handyman who loved working with his hands and volunteering his time to help others, spent countless nights exploring the stars through his passion for astronomy, and was an avid ham radio operator—connecting with people near and far through the airwaves. Above all, he lived a life of strength and unwavering faith. He led not only with words, but by example - through humility, service, and steadfast integrity. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Darrell Stanton and David Stanton. Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Susan; his children, Eric and Michelle Stanton, Kelly and Matthew Andexler; grandchildren, Zachary Stanton, Tessa Stanton, Aliyah Stanton, Marissa Stanton, Simeon Andexler, and Silas Andexler; siblings, Daniel and Charon Stanton, and Timothy Stanton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald Welker, Rosalie and Daniel Anderson, Pamela Lung; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Grand Valley Baptist Church, 3186 River Hill Dr., Grand Rapids, 49534 with Pastor Dan Heistand officiating. Burial will take place at Allendale Township Cemetery on Monday, July 14 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. and on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Grand Valley Baptist Church or the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.