Tony Lee Stotler, 62, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Tony was born October 8, 1963, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Thomas Edgar Stotler and Joyce Elaine (Mason) Stotler. He graduated from high school in Galesburg and entered the United States Air Force on November 13, 1981. On July 9, 1983, he married the love of his life, Vicky Lynne Rigdon, in Galesburg, Illinois.

Tony proudly served 27 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, retiring honorably on August 31, 2008, as a Chief Master Sergeant. Throughout his distinguished career, he was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England (1982-1984); Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, California (1984-1991); Edwards Air Force Base, Lancaster, California (1991-1997); and Whiteman Air Force Base, Knob Noster, Missouri (2005-2008). He spent many years supporting the B-2 aircraft program and continued that work following his retirement, working for Northrop Grumman from September 2008 until September 2024.

Tony believed in God, family, then country, and he served all three well. He had just begun to fully enjoy retirement, embracing the simple pleasures of life. He loved sitting at the backyard firepit with family and friends, working on classic muscle cars in his shop, fishing with his neighbor or his son, and relaxing outdoors at the end of the day-whether outside his shop or enjoying time in the hot tub. He also enjoyed playing golf and darts.

Tony often said he felt fortunate to have the life he had lived and felt very blessed. We were blessed to have him in our lives. He was respected and loved by many and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Stotler of Warrensburg; his parents, Thomas Edgar Stotler and Joyce Elaine (Mason) Stotler of Galesburg, Illinois; his sister, Trudy Ann Bradenburg (Mark) of Galesburg, Illinois; his children, Jace Michael Stotler of Galesburg, Illinois; Tyler Thomas Stotler (Caiti) of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and Shelby Rae Anderson (Jesse) of Harrisonville, Missouri; and his beloved grandchildren, Scarlett, Rodney, Reese, Elena, Spencer, and Milo.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Northside Christian Church in Warrensburg, Missouri. A graveside service will follow at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to pancan.org or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

"We know that in the military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet."