Victor Stanley

Victor Eugene Stanley, a devoted family man, WWII veteran, and longtime Blue Rapids businessman, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at the age of 100.

Vic was born on a rural farm near Filley, Nebraska, on August 29, 1925, the son of Ren E. and Zora Merle (Hutchison) Stanley. After graduating from Crab Orchard High School and the Lincoln School of Commerce, his education was interrupted by the call of duty during World War II. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was Honorably discharged as a Yeoman 2nd Class at the end of the war. Utilizing the G.I. Bill, Vic attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Victor was well known for his love of his Alma Mater and proudly displayed memorabilia that confirmed his passion for the Cornhuskers.

His life's journey brought him to Kansas in July 1949, when he entered into a business partnership with his father, Ren E. Stanley, to purchase a grocery store in Blue Rapids. They operated the establishment as Stanley's Hy-Klas Food Store. After five and a half years, Vic purchased his father's share and continued running the store. His dedication to serving the community spanned four decades, and he sold the business in July 1989.

Vic was deeply dedicated to his church and community. He was a longtime member of the United Presbyterian Church in Blue Rapids, where he served in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher, trustee, and elder. His civic involvement was extensive: he was a member of the Lions Club for 56 years, served on the Blue Rapids City Council, the Community Memorial Hospital board, the Blue Rapids Housing Authority board, the board of Affiliated Foods and President of the Kansas Food Dealers Association. He was a proud member of the American Legion for 80 years and the Masonic Lodge for 74 years. In retirement, he pursued an interest in amateur radio, becoming a Ham radio operator with the call sign NØRKN.

He married Lula Mae Barker Augustus on August 30, 1953. They raised two children and shared forty-five and a half years of marriage before her passing. He later met Norma Jean White Orsborn on a bus tour to Nashville, and they were married on October 7, 2000. They built a new home in Blue Rapids and enjoyed extensive travel together, with Vic achieving his goal of traveling to all 50 States, Canada and England. Norma passed away on September 27, 2025.

Vic is survived by his daughter, Judy Kotapish of Blue Rapids, and his son, Bruce (Jacqueline) Stanley of Seneca, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jeff (Yvette) Stanley of Gotha, Florida; Jami (Travis) Fincham of Collierville, Tennessee; Jennifer (Matt) Esau of Emporia, KS; and six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Rex Stanley and his sister, Ruby Mae Stanley Bacon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blue Rapids United Presbyterian Church on December 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Fairmont Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Blue Rapids American Legion Post 169.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Rapids United Presbyterian Church or the Blue Rapids Historical Society and Museum and left in care of the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.