Stan McKercher, 75, of High Springs, FL passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, after a brief battle with metastatic lung cancer. Born in Mitchell, South Dakota, Stan lived his early years in Sioux Falls. Following high school, Stan enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. Deciding to make military service his career, Stan completed Officer Candidate School in SD, married Marlys in 1977, and relocated to Dubuque, Iowa. There Stan managed the TSC store and served with the Iowa National Guard, and in 1979 with the 665th Maintenance Battalion in Mitchell, SD. He applied and was accepted into Title X Army Captains to Europe active duty, taking them to Germany for two and a half years. He returned to SDSU to work on his horticulture park ranger degree in 1984. Stan continued his military education, serving in transportation, armor, ordnance and AG branches. Stan served at numerous posts in the USA, completing a thirty-two-year career in the military, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and a master's degree before retiring in Florida. A lifelong motor enthusiast, Stan enjoyed watching NASCAR, drag racing, attending car shows, and working on his own vehicles. He had many hobbies: researching genealogy, quilting, cross-stitching, and card playing with friends, both lifelong and new. He knew no stranger, often assisting other veterans, and he enjoyed volunteering with the American Legion. He cared deeply for his family and lived with humor, spontaneity, and a love for adventure. He is survived by Marlys, his wife of 47 years; son Adam McKercher, daughter Rachael (Devin) Smith and their sons, Luke and Jackson; brother Tom (Maria) McKercher. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jan.Stan will be laid to rest in the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in October. Donations in his honor may be given to K-9 Partners for Patriots, Inc. Brooksville, FL. Celebration of Life live stream link- https://fb.me/e/3BZtQAMYH Visitation Friday, May 10, 2024 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Gethsemane Lutheran Church 4011 NW 34th St Gainesville FL 32605 US Celebration of Life Friday, May 10, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Gethsemane Lutheran Church 4011 NW 34th St Gainesville FL 32605 US Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528