Edward E Stahl

Edward (Ed) Earl Stahl, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home at Kidron Bethel Village on October 1, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1930, in Newton, Kansas, to Edward J. and Freda (Beck) Stahl. He graduated from Newton High School.

Ed spent most of his life living and farming in the countryside south of Newton. It was there that he met his wife of nearly 73 years, Alice (Cowan) Stahl, who grew up only half a mile away. They were married in November 1951, and shortly afterward, Ed entered the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon his discharge, the couple settled on the family farm.

Ed believed in a “work hard, play hard” philosophy. While farming full-time alongside Alice, he raised wheat, corn, milo, and soybeans, as well as cattle, pigs, chickens, a few dairy cows, and horses. Together they grew a large garden each year, producing nearly all of their own food.

In addition to farming, Ed worked nights for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 1990 after 31 years of service. He and Alice also shared a 30-year career driving a school bus for Newton USD #371—covering their route twice daily and often transporting students to out-of-town sporting and music events.

When it came to leisure, Ed made sure his family enjoyed life to the fullest. He bought a boat and camping gear, and summers were filled with weekends of camping, fishing, and water skiing. The family also participated in horse shows, with Ed competing right alongside his children. At age 53, he learned to snow ski, beginning a spring break tradition that continued for years.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Ed filled the freezer with pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, turkey deer, and fish. He and Alice were longtime 4-H leaders and active members of the Rural Life Group, forming lifelong friendships. They also enjoyed square dancing and were members of several clubs. Ed served as treasurer for Darlington Township for more than 15 years and was a founding member of the Sand Creek Watershed District in the 60’s which was created to stop the flooding of Newton and surrounding communities. He served on the Board until his passing.

After retirement, Ed and Alice traveled extensively, making friends around the world. They spent winters as “snowbirds” in Port Aransas and South Padre Island, Texas, where Ed fished nearly every day—either from the jetty or deep-sea fishing offshore. He took great pride in sharing his catch at his famous fish fries.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Karen Cox (Greg Black) of Sedgwick; three grandchildren, Zac (Alli) Cox of Seattle, Kendal (Alex) Heyman of Wichita, and Jordan Black (Coley Lenners) of Sedgwick; and five great-grandchildren—Jackson Whittier, Kaden Black, Scarlett Cox, Cash Heyman, and Reese Heyman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Freda Stahl; his wife, Alice; his son, Jerry; his son-in-law, Duane Cox; his brother, John Stahl; and his sister, Ruby Boucher.

Ed’s love of life, storytelling, and strong work ethic will remain his enduring legacy to his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, with a light meal served afterward at the church.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Petersen’s Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas. The family will be present from 6:30–8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion Wayne G. Austin Post 2, Newton, Kansas.