John Henry Stanton, 97, of Cambridge Warren, formerly of Russell, died Tuesday morning, August 7, 2018. John was born February 17, 1921 in Russell, the son of the late John Arthur and Grace Sipple Stanton. He was a 1939 graduate of Lander High School. A lifelong resident of Russell, he was the husband of Marilyn LeBaron of Gerry, New York whom he married September 21, 1946.
Prior to entering World War II, he was employed at Bel Aircraft in Buffalo, New York hand sewing the wings of the P39 Air Cobra. Joining the Army in 1943, a member of the 3rd Infantry, 7th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, L Company, he served in the European Theater. Staff Sergeant Stanton was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award given in the Army, for liberating a French village from German occupation. He single-handedly destroyed their fortifications and artillery and took twenty-five prisoners. He and his men held the record for the longest stay of sixty days in a foxhole while under enemy fire. He also received the European Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, Bronze Arrowhead Medal for being involved in the first saltwater invasion of Europe and the French Croix DeGuerre.
After fighting in southern France, Rome, Anzio, Salerno and throughout Italy he was honorably discharged in 1946. Known for his story telling, his war stories are chronicled in the archives of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and in the Robert Jackson Memorial Library in Jamestown, New York.
In 1948 he joined the Russell Volunteer Fire Department where he served as chief and was a member of the first ambulance crew for the department using a hearse for rescues.
For thirty years, John served as president of the Pine Grove Cemetery Association where he was instrumental in establishing various war memorials throughout the cemetery. Nearly every Memorial Day since 1948 he could be seen assisting in the raising of the flag during the memorial service, standing at attention saluting the country he was proud to serve.
A carpenter by trade, John and his brother, Ronald formed Stanton Brothers Construction in 1964 and built many homes throughout Warren and Chautauqua counties. He attended the Russell United Methodist Church and currently was a member of Praise! Fellowship of Russell.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, December 21, 2012, a sister, M. Lucille Olson, brother, H. Ronald Stanton and great granddaughter, Kayla Grace Zwald. He is survived by a daughter, Trudy Stanton Haight of Russell, PA., two sons, Bradley and wife Annette, of Russell, PA., and Dean and wife, Marie of Warren, PA., 5 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, several step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, and step great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 4 to 8 P.M. and on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Praise! Fellowship of Russell. A funeral and committal service will be conducted Friday, August 10, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with his daughter, Rev. Trudy Haight, former pastor, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Funeral Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Funeral Detail. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
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My Dad, Ralph Stanton, and John were cousins. Recall Dad talking about John very fondly over the years. What wonderful man he was! So very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for taking a moment to share with us during this special time. We truly are linked through stories told. For a split second as I typed, I wanted Dad to update me on his cousins and then I said to myself…. that luxury has passed. We have been cashing in on Dad’s memories in the last three years. We were blessed to have his clear recollections of family and events. May God bless you and your family! Thanks! Brad
Dear Dean, Brad and Trudy… Though I regretfully won’t be able to attend the services, I wanted you all to know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I am lucky enough to have many childhood memories of Uncle John. He was a wonderful man and will truly be missed. Much love to you all…
Thanks for thinking of us during this special time! I hated to let go of a man who has been my hero and my best friend. Now he is with Jesus and there is no better place for a Great Dad. Love ya!
To the entire Stanton family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Kevin & Pam Martin
Thank you!
Uncle John was a special person. He will be so missed. We all have such wonderful memories of him thru the years. Love to his family
Thank you Elaine
John Stanton Family,
Always a friendly smile and always an interesting story. He had told me of the German prisoner story. I suspect that he and Ron are ready to start building together again. Great man and a great family!
Respectfully,
Doc
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
So very sorry for your loss. Uncle John was a fixture at all the family gatherings and I will miss his sweet smile. I was so impressed with his war service and the courage he demonstrated. He is an example of a life well lived – not just a long life, but a full and complete one. With heartfelt sympathy, Kathy, Rick , Anna, Julia and Grace
Thank you for your kind words!
To the Stanton Family,
The loss of your father is great, but his legacy will live on. Prayers for all of you as you grieve for this fine man.
Doug and Carol Fraser
Thanks, Roomie. It’s the end of an era for our family and the community. He took with him a lot of history but I tried to gather as much as I could.
Trudy
Hello pastor Trudy, this is your friend Benjamin Mwima. Just found out about the passing of your Dad. I’m glad I met him once. The Lord continuous to comfort abdomen strength you!
Dear pastor Trudy,
May the Lord continue to strengthen and comfort you. Was just thinking about you and wondering how you are when I stumbled upon this obituary. Imelda is well. Praying for you. Did Zwald your granddaughter pass on?