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1947 Lonny 2019

Lonny Stagner

March 20, 1947 — April 13, 2019

BENJAMIN FUNERAL SERVICE 918-273-2700...……..Lonny Gene Stagner, aka "Camp Daddy", died on April 13, 2019 at the age of 72. He and his wife Pam lived in Nowata, Oklahoma, but spent summers (and any other time the fish were biting) at their house on Grand Lake.

Lonny was born on March 20, 1947 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Cleo and Vernon Stagner. Lonny spent his childhood in Ponca City. He played football in high school and was affectionately known as "Tank." He was a proud graduate of the PO-HI class of 1965. Lonny got his bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa as an accounting major. He started his career with Conoco in 1977 with the accounting group. He later found his niche in railcar fleet management. He loved the industry and remained in rail for the rest of his career, later working for Dupont and Koch Industries. He retired in 2004.

Lonny met Pam at Conoco , where they both worked, and on July 1, 1993 they eloped in New Orleans to the surprise of everyone. They had many adventures together in their 26 years of marriage. From traveling all over the country to go to Jana's soccer games, to trips to Europe, to music festivals all over.

After the birth of their first granddaughter, Lonny and Pam decided to relocate to Nowata to be closer to family. Lonny loved spending time with his family. Vacations, ski trips, and time at the lake. Lonny loved taking everyone on boat rides, tubing, and always out for a beautiful grand lake sunset. Although he loved being at the lake with family and friends he was always content to sit in the boat dock with a minnow on his line fishing for a mess of crappie. Spring break was always spent in the mountains. For the past severals years the family went to Sunlight Mountain where Lonny taught Jana how to ski way back in 1980. It was a very special place for them and will never be the same without him. However, Pepaw would want the family to enjoy it for years to come.

Lonny served in the Army Reserves as a Drill Sargent, but would never stand at veterans events. He always told Pam that he had too much respect for those that were active duty, believing them to be the real heroes.

He and Pam attended the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas for about 30 years. That's where he earned the nickname "Camp Daddy". You could find him in front of his stove making coffee and bacon in the morning and cooking something else every afternoon, including his famous gumbo. If you left his camp hungry or thirsty, it was your own fault. He loved the music around camp in Winfield, but more than anything, he loved the extended family he found there, many of whom became lifelong friends.

When it wasn't time for Winfield, he still loved hearing his friends play over anyone else. Several of them will sing his favorites at his service. Some of his happiest moments outside of being with his family included a fire and a couple of folks playing guitar and trading songs. He loved sitting and listening to Billy Palmer work on songs in his studio, or better yet while they fished in the dock at the lake. Catching crappie replaced hunting and golf as he got older, and he could fish for 10-12 hours without catching a thing and still be happy.

After moving to Nowata, he and Pam became involved with, then passionate about the Boys and Girls Club and their mission. He continued to be one of their biggest supporters to the end.

Lonny is survived by his wife Pam. His daughter Jana Faye Stagner and her life partner Jana Langley of Claremore, Oklahoma. His granddaughters Josie and Maise and his step-grands Stevie Langley of Colorado Springs, CO and Zach Langley and his wife Tori Langley of Owasso, OK. His daughter Bettina Jean Chappell of Oklahoma City and grandson Dylan Colvin of Midlothian, Tx. His brothers Dean Stagner of Victoria, Tx, Jerry Stagner (Terri) of Ponca City, OK and Laile Stagner (Julie) of Ponca City, OK. Mother-in-law Ann Jamison of Nowata, Brothers-in-law Jerry (Patricia) Chilson, Randy (Toni) Chilson of Sulphur, La. Nieces and Nephews Robin Brown, Dake Stagner, Jeanne Baker, Sara Dawn, Justin Chilson, Samantha Smith, Ryder Chilson and Randi Chilson. Lonny had many friends that were as close as family to him. I hope you all know what you meant to him. If he didn't say "I Love You" out loud to you, know that he did. Those bear hugs he gave were from the heart.

A celebration of the life of Lonny Stagner will be held on April 18 at the New Life Assembly of God in Nowata at 11:00 am. Pastor Todd Freeman will conduct the service. Immediately following, Pam would like to invite everyone to come out to their home. We can continue to share stories, listen to some of his favorite songs and enjoy each other.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to the Boys and Girls Club of Nowata. https://www.bgcofnowata.org/donate

Pam would like to thank everyone who has rallied around her with a giant hug. You can't possibly know how much it means.
Service
2019-04-18 11:00:00
New Life Assembly of God
NOWATA, OK 74048
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