At age 21, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan with the 457th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. He was inducted into the Army in February 1946. Shortly after completing basic training at Fork Knox, Kentucky, he joined the 11th Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged from his military service in July 1947.
On June 8, 1951, Stuart married Pauline Wills, who died May 29, 1989. Three sons were born to this union.
Mr. Pace was a member of East Sedalia Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served as a Deacon for many of those years. He was named Deacon Emeritus on Sept. 7, 2007. He was a member of the Kingdom Builders Bible Class. He served the church family in many capacities including Sunday School van driver and electrician.
He worked as a Union electrician with the IBEW Local 124, after leaving the Armed Forces, and received his 50 year pin.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the NRA, and State Fair Saddle Club. He loved the outdoors, horses, and enjoying morning coffee with friends.
After the death of his wife, Pauline, he married Mary E. Wardlow Boatright on Oct. 23, 1999, at East Sedalia Baptist Church. She survives of the home.
He is also survived by his three sons, Michael Pace, and his wife, Doreen, and Allen Pace, all of Sedalia, and Chris Pace, and his wife, Kim, of Independence; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four step children, Daniel Boatright, of Costa Rica, Deborah Cairer, of Sedalia, Miriam Link, of Galesberg, IL, and Matt Boatright, of Sedalia; ten step grandchildren; two great step grandchildren; and three sisters, Alberta Booth, of Grand Canyon, AZ, Alma Weikal, of Sedalia, and Shelba Jean Marshall, of Mesa, AZ.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ray McDonald officiating.
Casket bearers will be nephews, David Weikal, Doug Weikal, Terry Weikal, Todd Weikal, Mark Niederwimmer, Johnny Niederwimmer, Gary Booth, and Greg Ditzfeld.
Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens, with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Heckart Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to East Sedalia Baptist Church.
