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Dr. Stanley Dean "Stan" Wagstaff

March 18, 2019 | By slarson
Dr. Stanley Dean Stan Wagstaff, 71, of Topeka, passed away and reunited with his wife on Sunday, March 10, 2019. He was born May 24, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of George D. and Fern E. (Mossman) Wagstaff. He was a graduate and accomplished pitcher for the baseball team at Shawnee Heights High School. Wagstaff earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education and played baseball at Washburn University. He received his doctorate in education from the University of Kansas. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1969 until retiring in 2007 with the rank of colonel. Wagstaff began his career in education with USD 501 in 1969, teaching at Belvoir, Hudson, Randolph, Highland Park Central, Avondale West, back to Randolph Elementary until retiring as principal of Topeka West High School in 2007, where he assisted in establishing the Junior ROTC program. After retiring, he worked for Homeland Security and was instrumental in establishing Crisis City Training Facility in Lindsborg, Kansas. Stan married Judy Ann Williams on August 9, 1969, in Topeka. They shared over 45 years together until she preceded him in death on March 16, 2015. Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Carter; a son, Justin Wagstaff; and three grandchildren, Jack, Ben and Kate. Stan worked extremely hard to provide for his family and was proud of their accomplishments. He was a very meticulous and dedicated educator who was always willing to lead others in his profession. His other enjoyments included spending time with family, trout fishing and canoeing at Bennett Spring State Park with friends and family, as well as trips to Jamaica with Judy. His other passion was farming with his father and raising registered Angus cattle on the farm that has been in his family since 1895. He was as avid sports fan, especially of baseball and KU basketball. Honoring Stans request, cremation is planned. Private inurnment with military honors will be at Zion Cemetery, Tecumseh. Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Public Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 5883, Topeka, KS 66605 or to Topeka West Army ROTC, 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd., Topeka, KS 66604.