Stanley “Stan” Franklin DeMint, 53, went home to heaven in his sleep on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at KU Medical Center due to complications from his ongoing battle with graft versus host disease.

Stan did not want a visitation or funeral and requested a celebration of life gathering. Details for this will be released at a later date.

Stan was convinced that he was born to be a farmer, but those that knew him well are certain he was born to be a dad.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1967, in Richmond and grew up in Hardin. After graduating from Hardin-Central High School, Stan became a proud member of the U.S. Army. He was enlisted for two years before joining the Army National Guard for six more years.

Upon leaving the military, Stan worked several temporary jobs in the Hardin area, including spray buggy operator for the Ray-Carroll grain elevator in Hardin.

In 1992, Stan welcomed his first biological child into the world — a boy named Jacob Floyd DeMint. Stan took his new role as a father seriously and began working long hours to provide for his family. Stanley’s work ethic was unparalleled. Stan worked full time at the Ford plant, Claycomo, accepting any overtime offered to provide for Jake and realize his life-long dream of acquiring his own farm.

While working at the plant, Stan met his first wife, Jessica; and they welcomed his second biological child, Madalyn Paige DeMint, into the world. To Stan’s delight, Jessica brought two bonus children into the marriage, Kiley and Kelsie Pierson. Stan loved the role of fatherhood and flourished in it. He continued to expand the farm and the family when he married his second wife, Brandy, and gained two more children, Alex Collingham and McKenzie McBee. In 2010, Stan was diagnosed with leukemia and began an arduous battle with the disease. Stan assured all his children, friends and family that he was “tougher than John Wayne’s boot” and that cancer was no match for him. In true Stanley DeMint fashion, he overcame the disease. Unfortunately, the lifesaving T-cells he received viewed Stan’s own healthy cells as enemies, resulting in graft versus host disease. It was this disease that led to his demise on Nov. 24.

Stanley’s friends would all describe him as the most congenial person they knew. When he walked into a room full of strangers, he saw only potential friendships. After a few hours, Stan could tell you details regarding the lives of everyone there. Stan enjoyed the yearly fishing trips to Minnesota with his family. During his short 53 years on this earth and not withstanding numerous serious health concerns, Stanley developed a phenomenally successful cattle farm and set the bar high as a father. Despite ongoing challenges, Stan’s work ethic never wavered, his love for his children never faltered and his face always wore a smile. Stan was a true patriot who was proud of his service and proud of his country. At the time of his death, he was a member of the American Legion in Hardin. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who met Stanley Franklin DeMint who would tell you they did not like him. That person does not exist because it was impossible to avoid loving him. All men should attempt to emulate and hope to be able to imitate the awesome father, farmer, friend and family member that was Stanley Franklin DeMint. If you are looking for Stan these days, you should check the hilltop that overlooks the bottom ground, where you will most likely find him riding a new John Deere checking fences that mysteriously remain perfect. When you find him, tell him we all have a break in our hearts, where he still remains.

Stanley is survived by his beloved parents, Joseph Ray and Linda DeMint of Hardin; two biological children, Jacob DeMint of Norborne and Madalyn DeMint of Hardin; plethora of peripheral children; sister, Deborah and husband Eric of Stet; brother, Steven and wife Hillary of Hardin; five nieces and one nephew; one great-niece and two great-nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, who will all miss him dearly.

For those who would like make a memorial contribution, the family respectfully requests they be made to the Stanley Franklin DeMint FFA Scholarship Fund. They may be left at or mailed to Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland; 401 Main St.; Parkville, MO 64152. Arrangements entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland, “Todd & Nikki DeMint Family.” Website: Meyersfuneralchapel.com.