Stanley Oyler

Stan Oyler, a man of fierce loyalty, quiet strength, and a deep, abiding love for his family, passed away on May 5, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas. At 78 years old, he began his final rest surrounded by the family who meant the world to him. Stan was born on June 10, 1947, to Donald and Elva Oyler. He grew up in Stanton County, graduating from Stanton County High School at Johnson, Kansas in the Class of 1965. Although he lettered all four years in high school football, Stan would be the first to joke that those were earned more through presence than passion. In 1967, Stan answered the call to service, enlisting in the United States Army. He rose from the rank of private to become a Commissioned Officer Second Lieutenant after graduating from Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Stan had hoped to see the world while in the Army and was rewarded with an assignment to an 8” artillery battery at Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1969, Stan was transferred to the 4th Infantry Division in South Vietnam. He served his entire Vietnam tour on forward fire bases as a fire direction officer and executive officer of an 8" artillery unit. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Metal for valor. He left active duty in 1970 but continued to serve in the Army Reserves and National Guard for several years where he attained the rank of Captain. Stan was proud to be a Combat Veteran. His passing, a result of complications from Agent Orange exposure, is a final testament to the sacrifices he made for the freedom of others. After leaving active duty, Stan enrolled at Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1973 with a BS degree in business administration. Following undergraduate school, he attended Washburn University Law School graduating with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1976. Stan then worked with various law firms in Topeka and as a solo practitioner for the last 20 years. Stan was a fierce advocate for his clients and had tried many jury trials in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He proudly served as the city attorney or municipal judge for Rossville, Kanas from 1982 to 2026. During his legal career, Stan was active in the Kansas Bar Association, Topeka Bar Association, Inns of the Court, and the board of governors with Kansas Trial Lawyers Association. Stan was also a member of the Millionaire Advocates Forum, having collected millions of dollars for the damages suffered by his clients. He was an adjunct professor for Washburn University Law School, served on the Kansas Expo Centre Advisory Board, and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. Stan was an engaged father and loved spending time with his wife and children. Raising his family in the country, they enjoyed spending time by the pool, grilling in the summer, and playing in the yard. His children all remember riding on their dad’s John Deere tractor, a love they all shared. Stan and Teresa took their children on various vacations, and he always found a way to make them a fishing trip, a true angler at heart. He was a steady and uplifting presence in his children’s lives, overseeing four complete home renovations for his boys. He was always there, even if it was just for words of encouragement or to push a broom. Stan will be greatly missed by all of them. Stan was an avid hunter and fisherman and passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren. Stan had many close friends and enjoyed their comradery on many fishing trips to Alaska, Canada, Central American, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Shawnee, and local farm ponds. He really didn’t care where he went just so long as he was catching something. Stan also enjoyed watching sports with his family, as long as his team was a winner: Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas basketball, Kansas State football. In 1983, Stan married the love of his life, Teresa Thorne, in Leavenworth. Together, they shared 42 years of a beautiful, enduring partnership. Stan’s legacy of love lives on through Teresa; his daughter, Heidi (Scot) McMillan; and his sons, Jason (Kally), Andrew (Gabby), and Ryan (Bree). He was a proud doting grandfather to twelve, Michael, Paige, Logan, Riley, Dawson, AnnElise, Levi, Isaac, Colton, Emmy, Weston, and Claire. He was a beloved brother to Anita (Gene) Akin, Jane (Bill) Green, and Nancy (Warren) Jones. Stan was preceded in death by his Parents, Donald and Elva, and his little brother, Terry Oyler. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where memorial service will be at 11 a.m. and inurnment with military honors will follow in Lynn Creek Cemetery, 2400 SE 61st Street, Berryton, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home Condolences may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home.

Stanley Oyler

June 10, 1947 - May 5, 2026