STANLEY EDWIN SHONTS

March 2, 1938 – August 31, 2023

Stanley Edwin Shonts, 85, passed away at his home with his children at his side on August 31, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born March 2, 1938, in Colorado Springs, CO to Ray and Laura Shonts. Stanley grew up east of Colorado Springs on the family ranch. He attended Drennan School during his younger years and graduated from Ellicott High School in 1956. He married the love of his life, Leah Murphy, on August 20, 1961. Stan and Leah were married just shy of 60 years and raised three children. 

After high school, Stan had odd jobs including school bus driver, steel worker and construction. He served our country in the US Army for 3 years where he was a mechanic, including one year spent in Korea just after he and Leah were married. In 1964 he discovered his true career path and joined the Colorado Springs Fire Department where he spent 25 years, retiring as a Captain. 

Stan enjoyed tinkering. His children remember him spending countless hours building and fixing things in his workshop or garage. He had an affinity for cool cars, of which he owned several. If they didn’t meet his standards, he made them cool with after-market parts using his mechanical tinkering skills. In later years he enjoyed exploring his native state of Colorado on day trips in his Jeep with Leah. 

Those who knew Stan well appreciated his sly sense of humor. He had a gruff exterior, but a soft heart. He was known for his genuine kindness and fostered a sense of community while participating in the HOA board and various church committees. He had a quiet faith and led by example. 

Stan was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Leah, his parents, and siblings – Virginia Wertz, Ray Shonts Jr, Winnie Goettel, Beth Shonts, and Ted Shonts. He is survived by his three children – son Darren (Sarah) Shonts, son Brett (Jenny) Shonts, daughter Valerie Shonts; six grandchildren – Tyler (Kayla) Shonts, Haylee (Cory) Larson, Nick (Kara) Reich, Kelsey (Chris) Pajonk, Nathan Shonts, Brendan (Morgan) Reich; four great-grandsons – Charlie Pajonk, Micah Larson, Luka Reich, Arthur Reich; sister – June Brown; and many nieces and nephews.  

We rejoice that he is in the arms of Jesus. A celebration of life is planned for March 2, 2024, in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to COSILoveYou.com.