Robert Stanton

It is with sadness, but with great joy that we share that Robert (Bob) Lee Stanton has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Robert passed away on November 5, 2025 in Baker City, Oregon, at the age of 86 years.   A memorial service for Bob will be held November 22nd at 11 a.m. at Agape Christian Center, 650 Highway 7, in Baker City, Oregon.

Bob was born March 26, 1939  in Spokane, Washington. He was the only child of Samuel and Hazel Stanton.  He grew up in Spokane, Washington. Bob attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington and graduated in 1962.

On August 24, 1963 he married Gayle Johnson. Gayle had been his neighbor when he was 12 years old. God had career changes for Bob and he found himself enrolled in elementary education courses.  Bob and Gayle packed their meager belongings in their car and headed to Baker City, Oregon in 1965 to teach fifth grade at Churchill Elementary School.  Bob promised they would return to Spokane, Washington after nine months. This nine-month promise has been 60 years long and both Bob and Gayle love Baker City.

In 1966 daughter Brenda Lynn was born.  Eighteen months later Sue Kristine entered his life.  They were both loved and helped to fulfill his life.  They enjoyed the out-of-doors which included camping, snow skiing, hiking and fishing. 

Bob's favorite past time was fishing.  His favorite places to fish were Unity, Thief Valley Reservoir, Hells Canyon and Salmon River with his fishing buddy, Daniel Hansell. Some of Bob's most cherished spiritual remembrances were in the Hells Canyon area.  When talking fishing he would come alive.

Robert taught fifth and sixth grades at Churchill School for 16 years until he resigned to open Agape Christian School where he taught for 16 years.  He was able to touch many students' lives.

Upon retirement from teaching in 1997, God opened the door for him to volunteer at Powder River Correctional Facility. He enjoyed watching God open the eyes of inmates to experience the reality of a new life in Jesus Christ.

Bob loved to travel all over the world.  He did missionary work in Mexico. He took Gayle to Sweden to meet her Swedish relatives.  He drove Gayle in his motor home to Alaska.  He enjoyed going south in the winter with his motor home. The highlight of his travels was going to Israel three times.  He was always encouraging people to go to Israel where the Bible comes alive.

Bob was a life-long member of Agape Christian Center, and he served many years as an elder.  His goal in life is to be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife, daughters and Jesus Christ. He was always sharing the good news with all he met.  Even though he will be greatly missed, we, his family and friends rejoice in his graduation to Heaven.

A special thank you to Heart 'n Home and Meals on Wheels, who helped to make this journey easier.  We appreciate all their heart-felt care and concern for Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife Gayle Stanton of 62 years, daughter Sue Stout, son-in-law Doug Stout, son-in-law Ken Kroener and his dog, Sweet Pea, whom he considered his buddy.

He was preceded in death by Brenda Stanton Kroener who passed away unexpectedly in 2021 and his parents Sam and Hazel Stanton.

For those who would like to make a memorial gift in memory of Bob, the family suggests Best Friends through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Oregon, 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for
me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.