John Stanley Senter

John “Stanley” Senter was a national treasure. If you're reading this, you likely have a story, experience, or exchange with him that touched your life in a meaningful way. John had the remarkable gift of helping others in the most subtle ways. He never sought thanks or payback; he simply wanted everyone around him to be happy.

John peacefully passed away at home, in the loving arms of his only son, John and next to his loving wife of 67 years. He left this world as quietly as he lived—without pomp and circumstance or inconvenience to anyone.

Born in rural Mississippi in 1930, John was the last of his siblings to pass. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Alvin Senter and Roxy Ann Senter, six brothers, Lee, William, Russell, Price, Bobby and Hoyt Senter, and two sisters, Ruby Shouse and Ruth Hunkapiller.

At the young age of 17, he joined the US Navy and served in the Korean War. During his service on the USS Brinkley Bass, he received the Purple Heart. When his service in the Navy was over, he continued serving his country in the National Guard for several years. 

John returned home to Mississippi, where he met the love of his life, Wyona Denson. They married on December 31, 1956, and soon after, they made their home in Lake County, Illinois. For 66 years, their home was a sanctuary of love, where they raised a family and welcomed everyone with open arms.

John and Wyona’s family grew to include their beloved son, John, daughter-in-law Carol, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Sam, (Meghan), Stanley, Warren, Sadie, and Shawn. 

John was a pillar of his community, a friend for life to many, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an electrician by trade, but could fix almost anything, never asking for anything in return except perhaps lunch and a good conversation.

John was always ready to share a story. He usually carried with him an interesting trinket to show off, a coin, a knife, a picture, and always a pack of gum. His quiet demeanor only made him more endearing. In the 1980s, a shipmate organized a reunion that John and Wyona attended for 37 years in a row, held all over the United States. These shipmates became like family, and the reunions meant the world to John and Wyona.

In June 6, 2018, he participated in the Lake County Honor Flight. He flew to Washington DC with a plane load of veterans and volunteers to visit the war memorials. It was a wonderful experience for him and he and the rest of the veterans were honored with a hero’s welcome upon their return. Coincidentally on that day, his first great grandchild was born, and was named Stanley to honor his great grandfather. He arrived home to that happy news!

John was a regular at his morning coffee klatch, where he and his friends and partners in crime would sit for hours, solving the world's problems and sharing life's simple joys. This cherished tradition lasted most mornings for 40 years.

John's love for his community was evident in his attendance of fundraisers, charities, parades, and car shows, passions he eagerly shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though he has left us, John's legacy of kindness, love, and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who knew him. As we remember him, let's honor his memory by embracing the lessons he taught us: to love deeply, give generously, and always find joy in the simple moments. Rest in peace, John Stanley Senter—you will be dearly missed by all that knew you.

Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. Memorial service to begin at 12:00 pm. Interment to be private for the family.