Alva Venson Stoner, the son of Lloyd Franklin and Grace Mae (Pope) Stoner, was born August 20, 1945, in Maryville, Missouri. He attended Corning and Craig schools, graduating from Fairfax High School, Fairfax, Missouri, in 1963. Alva then attended Northwest Missouri State University for one year.

On May 9, 1964, Alva was united in marriage to Dixie Lea Smith at Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax. They made their home in Fairfax and became the parents of three children, Gay, Brian, and Jason. They had just celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Alva was employed by Burke’s Lumber Yard, Rock Port, Tarkio Pelleting as a salesman, and owned and operated Texaco Filling Station, Fairfax. He also was employed by City of Fairfax as a city marshal, mayor for six years, and water treatment supervisor for 29 years, until retiring. Alva also owned and operated Stoner Bin Construction until September of 2020.

Alva was an avid member of Fairfax Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was also a longtime member of Fairfax Masonic Lodge, Tarkio Golf Club, Fairfax School Board, and Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department. For years, Alva operated the scoreboard at Fairfax basketball games and drove the Pep Club school bus. Alva passed away, Monday, June 7, 2021, at his home in Fairfax, at the age of 75.

Besides his parents, Alva was preceded in death by sister, Llawana (Stoner) Ramsey; and parents-in-law, Max and Elvera Smith. Survivors include wife, Dixie Stoner, Fairfax; children, Gay (Maurice) Martin, Burlington Junction, Missouri, Brian (Christine) Stoner, Aurora, Colorado, and Jason (Angie) Stoner, Kansas City, Missouri; seven grandchildren, A.J. (Tara) Martin, Grant, Caleb, Holden, Gemma, Jude, and Colson Stoner; two great-grandchildren, Mia and Micah Martin; brother, John Thomas (Nina) Stoner, Texas; sister-in-law, Pete (J.R.) Cooper, Fairfax; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A funeral service was held Friday, June 11, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Tarkio, Missouri. Interment was at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or Community Hospital-Fairfax. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.