James Earl Stateler, 96, passed away with his family present, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Ochiltree General Hospital, Perryton.
He was born on September 19, 1929, to John Earl and Nellie (Hinson) Stateler in Ulysses, Kansas. He started working for Natural Gas Pipeline in Minneola in 1951 then transferred to Gray, Oklahoma in 1969 where he retired after 35 years of service in 1986.
While living in Perryton, James spent time in his favorite places, his garden, workshop and mowing any lawn that needed to be mowed.
Some say that he grew the best garden in the area. He was also a very talented handyman; there was nothing that he could not fix. Jim and Evelyn enjoyed many years traveling to square dance.
James was a faithful follower of Christ and a longtime member of Community Christian Church, Perryton. Here he spent time doing just about anything the church needed.
On May 18, 1950, he married Evelyn Ernie Grimmett in Minneola. James and Evelyn spent an incredible 75 years building their life and legacy. The two could be found sitting in their recliners with a Dallas Cowboys football game on the television.
Survivors include, his wife of 75 years, Evelyn Stateler, Perryton; five children, Sheril Kelley, Perryton, Sharon Davis, Beaver, Oklahoma, Stormetta Stateler, Amarillo, Sonja Foster and husband Dal, Perryton and Jimmy Stateler and wife Yolanda, Gardner, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Cory, Amy, Joanna, Eric, Chris, Casey, Sahvanna, and Taylor; along with fifteen great grandchildren, Kelli, Baylee, Christa, Hannah, Cooper, Hydee, Kiley, Easton, Jamie, Arie, Joseph, Macey, Madison, Dammion, Harley, and two great- great grandchildren, Dominik, and Stetson. Their family was the greatest light of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and two great grandsons, Devin McGarraugh and Cole Kelley.
Graveside service were held Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola, Kansas. Visitation was held prior to the service In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The OGH Healthcare Foundations or a charity of your choice.