Chaplain John Sumner Stannard, Colonel, U.S. Army's Obituary
Funeral services for Chaplain John Sumner Stannard “Chap” will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 12:00n in the East Leesville Baptist Church with Rev. Gil Arthur officiating. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery under the direction of the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Leesville.
Visitation will resume on Friday, December 15, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the East Leesville Baptist Church.
Chaplain Stannard was born August 19, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Natalie Decker Stannard and Lewis Judson Stannard. He was named after his great grandfather, John B. Sumner, a New York State Methodist Minister who wrote the music for 8 hymns, with the most familiar – “I’m a Child of the King”.
John graduated from Central High School, Binghamton, NY in 1939. He studied 1 year at Philadelphia Bible School, 4 years at Eastern Bible College, 3 years at Palmer Theological Seminary and 2 years at Military Schools.
He pastored one year in Washington D.C., taught 8 years at Washington Bible School. He served as a Chaplain for 20 years in the United States Army, having served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1973 at the rank of Colonel. After his military career He studied radio for 2 years at Northwestern State University. He signed KVVP-FM Radio Station on the air on January 20, 1977.
He was a life member of the VFW 3106; Life member of American Legion Post 145; Leesville Lions Club; East Leesville Baptist Church; Lifetime Achievement Award for Broadcasting from Louisiana Association of Broadcasters;
Chaplain Stannard stated that his purpose in life was “To glorify our Lord. To introduce our Lord to as many as possible. To help others whenever possible and to love, guide and protect our family and to provide all needs.”
Chap is preceded in death by his Wife: Eileen Search Harzell; Three Brothers: Lewis Judson Stannard, Edward Alexander Stannard, and George Oliver Stannard.
He is survived by: His Son: Douglas “Doug” Stannard of Leesville, LA; Daughter and Son-in-law: Gail & Michael Rikard of Choctaw, Ok; One Grandson: David C. Miles of Oklahoma.
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