Lester “Buck” Grandstaff

Lester Howard “Buck” Grandstaff was born May 27, 1929, to John Oren and Opal (Oliver) Grandstaff of Birch Tree, Missouri. He left this world on March 4, 2022, at General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Missouri, at the age of 92. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Japan. He loved talking about his A r m y days. After returning home, he married Louise Barton, the love of his life. To this union, five children were born. Buck was preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal Grandstaff; four sisters, Rachel Sartin, Laverne Rutledge, Flora Mae Cooley, and Barbara Yearwood; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; d a u g h t e r- i n - l a w, Debra (Watts) Grandstaff; and his loving wife of 44 years, Louise. In 1996, he married Freda (McAffe) Norris, and she also preceded him in death. He is survived by five children, Barbara Cowen (Kenny), Velma Russell (Mike), John, Richard (Nikki), and Te r e s i a Huddleston; eleven grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one g r e a t - g r e a t - g r a n d d a u g h t e r ; one brother, Leroy Grandstaff (Kay); one stepd a u g h t e r, Connie Fears (Oscar); two step-grandsons; two step-great-grandsons; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Buck was employed for most of his life at Missouri Hardwood flooring company owned by the Kercher f a m i l y, who became lifelong friends. Buck was a mentor to Jon Kercher. He began working as a child and through three generations of Kerchers and retired in his 70s. He enjoyed going to yard sales, telling stories of his childhood, and playing the board game, A g g r a v a t i o n , for hours at a time with their neighbors and friends. Buck will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Graveside services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Bro. Gary Larsen off i c i a t i n g , under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www. y a r b e rmortuary. com.