Gerald Egbert Stillwell

Gerald Egbert Stillwell, son of the late William and Elsie (Gregor) Stillwell, was born on July 17, 1929 in Fresno, California, and went home to the Lord on October 5, 2014. He was 85 years, 2 months, and 18 days of age.

Gerald attended Johnsons Country School through the 8th grade. He joined the Navy on October 14, 1948 and completed 2 years of service aboard the USS Newman K. Perry. He was united in marriage to Julia A. McAlister on October 28, 1950. To this union three children were born: Gerald Allen, Shirley Jean, and Tabitha Lynn.

Gerald was baptized on August 17, 1980 alongside three of his grandchildren at Topaz. On June 3, 1990 he was ordained as a deacon and served at Pleasant Home Free Will Baptist Church and Cornerstone Church, where he was a member.

He had several occupations ranging from dairy farmer, welder, hauling milk, carpentry, and basically, if it were broken he could fix it. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and piddling in his work shop.

His curiosity and creativeness kept him constantly finding interest in the smallest detail or object. Turning left over and found items into usable tools or works of art kept him busy. You would never know what he would find with his metal detector or bring home for another purpose.

Gerald battled congestive heart failure and was a cancer survivor. Yet he remained upbeat throughout his illness. When asked how he felt he would reply, With my fingers, and Im Still-Well!

Although he will be missed greatly, we shall find comfort in knowing, in his words, Im ready to go home, home with Jesus.

Besides his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by one daughter: Shirley Rodgers; two brothers: Donald Stillwell, and Bruce Stillwell.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Julia Stillwell, of the home; one son: Jerry Stillwell and his wife, Brenda, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; one daughter: Tabitha Unger and her husband, Matt, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; one brother: Lyle Stillwell of Willow Springs, Missouri; one sister: Shirley Macomber of Mountain Grove, Missouri; eight grandchildren: Scott Stillwell, Ty Stillwell, Kamber Beller, Michelle Stigall, Courtney Mills, Braden Unger, Trenton Unger, and Morgan Unger; nine great-grandchildren: Taylor, Nolan, Logan, Kaitlen, Zach, Daustin, Brittany, Dakota, and Emma; and two great-grandchildren: Elsie and Griffin Barton; many nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives who will miss him greatly.


Visitation: Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church, Mountain Grove, Missouri.

Burial: Penner Cemetery, Vanzant, Missouri