Stanton Thayer Brown, 88, died peacefully at his home on December 18, 2014. He was born in Independence, Missouri on January 31, 1926 to Ephraim and Ina (Barnett) Brown. In 1943 he graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. He married Shirley Elaine Johnson on October 28, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard B. Brown and Emerson O. Brown and their spouses, sisters Elizabeth Henson and Ardyce Freeman and their spouses. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elaine “Johnnie” Brown, sons Stanton T. Brown II, Joseph M. “Mike” Brown and his wife Linda, Timothy W. Brown and his wife Carol, David B. Brown and his wife Jennifer, a daughter Barbara E. Wiliker and her husband Ben, 13 grand children, 25 great-grand children and many nephews and nieces. Stanton was a 50-year member of Buckner Lodge #501 A.F.&A.M. where he served as Worshipful Master Lodge in 1961 and again in 2011, and he served as Secretary of Buckner Lodge for many years. He was also a member of Buckner Chapter #280 Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron on three different occasions. In the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Stanton was appointed as District Deputy Grand Lecturer from 1967 through 1972, and was then appointed as the Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He served as Grand Lecturer for twenty years after which he received the title of Grand Lecturer Emeritus. He was also a Past Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Stanton T. Brown was very involved in many of the appendant Masonic Bodies including the York Rite, the Scottish Rite (Kansas City Valley), Ararat Shrine, Grand College of Rites, Societas Rosecruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, Knight Masons, Philalethes Society, National Sojourners and Heroes of ’76, DeMolay Legion of Honor, Royal Order of Scotland, Red Cross of Constantine and numerous others. Stanton was a member of the Buckner Community of Christ Church and served the church in many different capacities over the years. Although he has held many titles in different organizations, his goal was service to his fellowman as evidenced by his volunteering and long time service in the community of Buckner. He has served as a mentor and example to many by showing a way to live honorable, respectful and useful lives. Titles will soon be forgotten, but service and love of his fellowman lives on. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice and all of the caregivers who made it possible for Stanton to pass in peace at home. Memorial donations can be made to the Buckner Area Community Service, Inc (BACS), PO Box 230, Buckner, MO. A masonic service will be said at 5:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Buckner Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel. com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)