John William 'Bill' Stovall

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — John William ‘Bill’ Stovall passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2019, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He reached the age of 100 years.

Bill was born December 16, 1918 in Poplar Bluff to John F. Stovall and Marie (Rose) Stovall.

Bill graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1936. He began his military career by joining the United States Army. During World War II he served in England and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. After the war, Bill worked for the Army as a Recruiter before returning to Poplar Bluff and taking a job with St. Louis Independent Packing Company as a salesman. This required him to travel, and as a result he met his future wife, Nancy Louise Patterson, in Marion, Ill. on a blind date in 1949. Nancy and Bill were married on May 7, 1949 in St. Louis, Mo. only three months after their initial meeting. The couple subsequently moved to Poplar Bluff where they resided together for 64 years. Bill often remarked that marrying Nancy was the best thing that ever happened to him. In 1960 Bill and Nancy started Stovall Wholesale Meat Company. Bill worked throughout the years to make the business a success which endured for decades. In his retirement Bill enjoyed playing golf, fishing and spending time on his boat the “Big Nancy”. Bill was devoted to his family and friends, all who loved him deeply. He will be remembered for his quick wit and boundless sense of humor, both of which remained through his final days. He liked to say he was, “150 lbs of fighting dynamite”.

Bill and Nancy had their first daughter, Nancy Ann Stovall, on September 7, 1952. Nancy Ann currently resides in Columbia, Mo. Nancy Ann has two daughters, Emily McWilliams and Jake Wilson of Columbia, Missouri and Catherine Batson and husband Jonathan of Kittredge, Colorado. The Stovall’s second daughter, Sally Marie Stovall Milner, was born on June 17, 1954. Sally and her husband, George Milner have three daughters, Julie Milner Littles of Poplar Bluff, Jan Wooten and husband, Charlie of Hillsboro, Mo. and Johnna Milner of Poplar Bluff. Bill and Nancy have eight great-grandchildren: Jace Milner Littles, Quin Alexander Logan Littles, Avery Jane Wooten, Marin Louise Wooten, John Thomas Wooten, Charlotte James Wooten, Waker Robert Sunshine Wilson and Elijah Jack Batson.

Bill is survived by a brother, Laddie Stovall and wife Ruth Ann of Rogersville, Mo. In addition, Bill is survived by Joseph F. Stivers, Larry Janson, Rodney and Beth Anderson, Steve and Kate Anderson, Jim Stovall, and Joyce Ann and Larry Travelstead. He is also survived by his caregivers, Sharon and Holly Euler, Lillie Campbell, and Janie Lane who he considered family.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved Nancy, his parents, siblings Robert ‘Bob’ Stovall, Chester Stovall, Alice Stovall Hayes, Magdeline Stovall Stivers, Mary Ann Stovall Anderson, Della Morris Stovall, as well as an infant brother.

Bill was a member of the First Christian Church of Poplar Bluff.

A graveside service conducted by Pastor Ron Webb and Rev. Jim Stovall, will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the City Cemetery. In keeping with Bill’s love of animals memorials may be made to Hearts for Rescue, 452 County Road 565, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901

Paid