Douglas Thor Stanke, age 88, of Warrensburg spent the final days of his life on his beloved Chapel Hill Farm and passed away Monday, June 28, 2021 at home.

He was born August 7, 1932, in Michigan, the son of Albert and Eunice (Plumb) Stanke.

Growing up in a large family on a farm, Doug learned the meaning of hard work and developed a strong Christian faith. At 17, he began a millwright worker career at General Motors Fisher Body in Lansing.  He was pulled away from his bride, career, and the farm for a tour of duty in the Korean War.

During the next 30 years, he developed a national reputation as a top breeder of national champion Hackney ponies, receiving recognition form the Midwest Hackney Association. He and Shirley sold their Michigan farm and retired in Warrensburg, MO where he farmed for 40 years, raising Hereford and Black Hereford beef cattle, Hackney's, and hay.  He looked forward to the Hackney pony show each August in Springfield. Illinois and was happiest when driving his tractor through the hay field.

Doug was a long-term Deacon of the Church of Jesus Christ Warrensburg and instrumental in the building. Church families remember his wise encouragement to young people and provision of treats to children along with his sharing Korean phrases. He loved interacting with his fellow members of the Warrensburg VFW, and spending meal-time with his close friends at the Country Kitchen, Mazzio's Pizza, Kings Chef Buffet and Wendy's restaurants.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Irene (Smith) Stanke; his parents Albert and Eunice Stanke; his sibling Marjorie Nemeth, Al Stanke, Martha Brown; his daughter Denise Irene Van Eaton; and a son in infancy Donald Bruce Stanke.

Doug is survived by his children Gary Douglas Stanke (Claudia) and Janet (Don) Mulvaney; his grandchildren Joshua Allen Eedy, Katlin Ilene Tatarchuk, Cameron Douglas Wesley Mulvaney, and Chandler Reid Mulvaney; his great-grandchildren Joshua and Amelia Eedy; and his siblings Joy Lott, Carolyn Kibbey, and Robert Stanke.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Midwest Hackney Association Foundation or the VFW Post 2513 and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.