Mr. Brett Stanley

Obituary Funny, energetic, vibrant, dramatic, loving, sentimental –a few words that describe Brett. To know him is to love him. To love him is to know what it feels like to laugh so hard you cry. To know him is to have an instant memory of him at the mere mention of “the dead end.” To love him is to know what it’s like to want him to stop talking so much but keep telling jokes and stories at the same time. Brett Edward Stanley was born on February 20, 1973 to Gloria Stanley and Eddie Carroll. The eldest of twin boys born that day, he was the third of four children and Gloria’s first born son. Brett was what some may call a “Momma’s Boy.” He shared a close bond and relationship with his mother who loved and cared for him dearly until her passing. Brett was preceded in death by both of his parents, Gloria Stanley and Eddie Carroll; his twin brother, Prett Stanley; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Brett attended Central High School of Kansas City, MO. After high school, he worked as a mechanic for his father at Carroll’s Auto Shop and in food service alongside his older sister at Walker’s. Brett was raised in a close-knit family which is likely why he loved being surrounded by family and friends. His favorite childhood locations were Wabash and “the dead end” –places where family gathered and where he met lifelong friends. As an adult, the spirit of those places were felt in get-togethers with those same friends and family. If there was a gathering of any kind, large or small, you could rest assured he would be there. And you knew it the very moment you arrived, because his was a presence that never went overlooked. Brett was one of those people you usually heard before you saw. A boisterous and comedic personality, he was THE life of the party. He was a storyteller and somehow the story always seemed funnier and more dramatic when Brett told it. He was also a jokester who always had a trick up his sleeve that would undoubtedly leave the room in stitches from laughter. Brett was a lover of all things family. He loved his sisters and shared a close relationship with his sister, Connie who became his caretaker after he went blind in the mid-2000s. He also shared a close bond with his niece who helped care for him and his two nephews. He loved kids and had a tremendous passion for his own children. As the story usually goes, Brett had a special bond with his son, BJ. Like his own mother was with him, he was a relentless supporter of and fighter for his kids. That love was also extended to his grandchildren. Whatever they asked of him, he would make a way to ensure they had it, no matter the sacrifice. Brett loved going places and could never really sit still for long. Even after being left partially blind, he managed to find his way to any and everywhere worth being. If there was an event to see and be seen –he was there. He loved music and attending concerts as well as going on road trips to Colorado and Texas. He connected with every generation of his family, each person he knew he bonded with in a way unique to them. He left an unforgettable and undeniable mark on everyone he knew. Being with Brett was an occasion everyone looked forward to because his was a presence you sought out. To know Brett was to love Brett and to know the hole that his passing leaves in every heart he touched. To know Brett is to know that he will be missed and to know that at every gathering there will be a quieter unfamiliarity that reminds you of a presence gone way too soon. Brett leaves to love and cherish his memory: his son, Demont “BJ” Van Dunt; daughter, Darcy Brown; grandchildren, Honesty Van Dunt and Rynell Lucas; sisters, Connie Stanley-Powell (Wallace) and Paula McCrary (Terry, Sr.); niece, Erica Stanley; nephews, Terry McCrary Jr. and Michael Powell; one aunt, one uncle, several great-nieces and great-nephews, numerous cousins and a host of friends and extended family. A Simple Farewell will be held Thurs, Dec 30, 2021, 9:00am-1:00pm at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Brooking Cemetery. Condolences may be shared on our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Brett Stanley, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mr. Brett Stanley

February 20, 1973 - December 19, 2021