Robert S. “Bob” Stayton
Robert S. “Bob” Stayton, 98, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Clinton, Missouri passed away Friday, May 15 at his home at Tallgrass Senior Living Center.
Robert Smith Stayton was born on November 8, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised on his family’s golf course, Stayton Meadows, in Raytown, Missouri, where he developed a lifelong love for golf, the outdoors, and community. Bob’s faith was an important part of his life from an early age, and he grew up attending the Methodist church with his family.
After high school, Bob joined the United States Navy and trained to become a pilot. Although he was still in aviation training when World War II ended, his passion for flying never faded. Upon leaving the Navy, Bob attended and graduated from the University of Missouri.
While living in Kansas City, Bob met the love of his life, LaRae Nelson, who was working as a flight attendant. Their marriage began on August 9, 1953, and they moved to Overbrook, Kansas, where Bob operated a small car dealership and became one of General Motors’ youngest dealership owners.
In 1957, Bob and LaRae moved their growing family to Clinton, Missouri, where they would make their home for nearly forty years. Bob built a successful automobile dealership and became well known throughout the Clinton community for his hard work, generosity, and friendly spirit. He served the Clinton community as city councilman and mayor pro tem. Whether at the dealership, on the golf course, or at the local airport, Bob rarely met a stranger.
Flying remained one of Bob’s greatest joys throughout his life. As a flight instructor, he encouraged and trained many aspiring pilots, sharing not only his knowledge but also his enthusiasm for aviation.
Bob also had a deep love for music, golf, and cars. He enjoyed playing the clarinet, saxophone, and guitar. Family and friends always appreciated his wonderful singing voice. Whether listening to music, talking about automobiles, or spending time on the golf course, Bob found joy in the things he loved and in sharing them with others.
Faith and church life remained central to Bob and LaRae throughout their years in Clinton. Together they were active members of the United Methodist Church, where they formed many lasting friendships and faithfully served their community. Bob was especially devoted to his family and took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his grandsons. He faithfully attended every one of his grandsons’ high school and college graduations, a reflection of the love, encouragement, and steady presence he brought to his family throughout his life.
After retiring, Bob and LaRae moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they enjoyed many happy years surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In his final years, Bob returned to the Kansas City area, where he remained close to family.
He will be remembered by his four daughters & their spouses: Penny (John) Shaida, Robbie (David) Kreissler, Patty (Gregg) Coonrod, and Lori Stayton and wife Lori Denton. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandsons: John (Kelly), Robert (Jamison), and Grant (Addie) Shaida; Zachary (Kara), Spencer (Maddison), and Grayson Coonrod; and Warren (Kyle) and Aaron Kreissler. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, four nieces, and four nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, LaRae; his parents, Charles H. and Fay Stayton; and his brother, Charles H. Stayton, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Clinton Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Burial will follow at Englewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Christmas Cheer, in care of the Clinton Methodist Church. These donations may be left with the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at
www.bradleyhadley.com.
