Stanley Hitman, 76, of Lee’s Summit, passed away on April 25, 2023, surrounded by his family. ALS took his life in the end, but it never really defeated him.

Stan was born in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, but he spent his formative years at Mooseheart, the Child City, outside of Chicago, Illinois. Stan treated the move to an orphanage in another country as an adventure, and he thrived. His ability to adapt to this change set a tone for the rest of his life.

Stan began his career teaching biology and earth science in Florissant, Missouri, where he met Susan at a breakfast for beginning teachers. They were married at the end of that school year. During their early years, Stan and Susan taught together; their daughter, Julia Ann was born during this time. Stan briefly served as an assistant principal, and Amanda Beth joined the family. Stan left education following Amanda’s birth and began a 40-year career as a manufacturer’s representative of industrial sensors, during which he established a reputation as an ethical, knowledgeable salesman among his hundreds of customers.

At age 70, months after retiring, Stan was diagnosed with ALS. Just as he adapted to every change that he had encountered in his life, Stan handled the devastating changes to his body with the same grace and easygoing attitude. His ALS progression was slow and tortuous, but he did not complain and maintained his amazing sense of humor throughout. Stan was a resilient fortress of a man who remained stoic and strong until the very end.

Stan was under the care of Ascend Hospice during his last two and a half years, and the family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Jamie, Kimmy, Kimberly, Jill, Tara, and Diana for their compassion and loving care. The family is also eternally grateful for the group of friends who faithfully called and visited for years after Stan was unable to get out.

Stan was a wonderful husband and father and a strong role model for his grandchildren. He was grateful for and proud of his home, his family, and his friends. For him, a favor for another was never too big, never an imposition. Stan was a moral, modest and hard-working man. He will be forever missed and remembered by those who were fortunate to know him.

Stan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan Hitman; daughters, Julia (Darren) King and Amanda (John) Allen; five grandchildren, Jake and Megan Schneider and Mattie, Jack, and Max Allen; and his cousin Martha Winchell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and June Hitman; his brother Robert Hitman; his sisters Marilyn McLaren and Janice Brusseau; and his nephews Rick and Dan McLaren.

Services will be held at Grace United Methodist, 2400 E US Hwy 50, Lee's Summit, MO 64063, on May 6, 2023. Visitation from 9:00-10:00 am, Memorial Service at 10:00 am. The family asks for donations to the ALS Association in lieu of flowers.

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