Everett B. Stamm
Jan. 30, 1919 - Jan. 31, 2008
BENKELMAN -- Everett B. Stamm, 89, a lifelong resident of Dundy County, departed this present life, and entered into his new life, on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Chase County Hospital in Imperial.
He was born Jan. 30, 1919, to Ernest John and Zella Blanche (Bernard) Stamm and lived with his parents on the Jake Rossmiller farm three miles northwest of Benkelman, and later moved to the Heiner farm in the Pleasant Valley area. In 1929, his parents purchased the Hickman farm which became the family farmstead. It was there, Everett and his brother, Gene, grew to manhood.
Everett loved the soil and at the age of seven, he began helping his father farm. He drove four head of horses on a cultivator and later six head of horses on the planter and picked corn by hand.
On Dec. 8, 1940, he was united in marriage to Louise Hardwick, and they moved into the house his parents had lived in during their early life. To this union, two daughters were born, Janice Louise and Anita Jean.
In 1945, Everett and Louise purchased the Elmer Edwards farm and he pursued his life desire of being a farmer and a rancher. Some 28 years later, they sold the home place to Glen and Betty Ellis and built their home in Benkelman. Throughout the years, Everett enjoyed his horses and especially the horses he and his brother, Gene, raised and raced. In 1982, Everett bought his first race horse and began racing horses, even raising some for a few years.
Everett lived by a philosophy of his mother and grandfather, which was to "pay as you go", and he always emphasized to his daughters and grandchildren, that they walk in the integrity of their words.
Everett received Jesus as his Savior and in his later years knew he could get help through prayer.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Ernest and Zella Stamm; his loving wife, Louise; brother, Gene Stamm; and granddaughter, Kristina Lea Wilson.
Survivors include his daughters, Janice DeWester and husband, Gary of Wauneta, Anita Wilson and husband, Laddie of Olatha, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Inez Stamm and Norma Hardwick, all of Benkelman; six grandchildren, Shari Brubaker and husband, Tony, Shana Wilson, Bobbie Kistner and husband, David, Michelle Harchelroad and husband, Brian, Teresa Wynn and husband, David, Chad DeWester and wife, Jennifer; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Everett was respected and loved by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed by those who call him dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend.
Funeral services were today at United Methodist Church in Benkelman, with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in his name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.