January 8, 1962 – December 9, 2021 Chapter One: Disciple Stanley was a dedicated servant of Christ. He was born at Queen of the World Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri on January 8, 1962, to Stanley L. Counts, Sr. and Dorothy J. (Lockett) Counts. Stanley Jr. accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age under the watchful eye of his father and pastor, Rev. Dr. Stanley L. Counts, Sr. He was currently serving as the Minister of Music at Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Stanley has served churches throughout the Northwest Missouri, Kansas-Nebraska and Midwest Conferences of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Baptist New Era Missionary Baptist District Association. Organized a weekly prayer call that went strong for any number of years until his illness prevented it. Every week he facilitated prayer, devotion, "Word" talk for the purpose of others, as well as his own, Christian encouragement and edification. Intentional, random phone calls and "pop-up" visits made to countless persons near and far were a trademark of his discipleship. Intent on letting his light so shine, he chose not to disclose the extent of his illness based on his fervent prayer that he would be allowed to be a witness, to others, of God's miraculous healing in his life. Chapter II: Family Man Stan's commitment to family was exemplified through his marriage of 36 years to his wife, Lajuana (Batchelor) Counts. They celebrated the gift of three children, Jene, Steffan, and Michelle. They also were blessed with three granddaughters that he liked to refer to as his "three ninjas" -he was affectionately known to them as "Pa Pa." Although he was an entrepreneur at heart, he would willingly defer that dream for a traditional nine-to-five in order to support his family. His word, personally and professionally, was his bond. One never had to guess how he felt about any topic or issue. He addressed matters head on, keeping it real at all times. Stan, lovingly called Junior, often described himself as a teddy bear with grizzly bear tendencies. His family most appreciated his smile, dry wit and ingrained sense of humor. But as he grew older, he also became known as a man with enormous faith, tremendous strength and a loyalty to his family and his friends that knew no bounds. He took pleasure entertaining family and friends while grilling in the backyard and recreating some of his mother's best-known dishes such as chicken and dumplings, and peach cobbler. Chapter III: Ministry Leader A recognized and accomplished organist/keyboardist with a deep knowledge of sacred music –everything from the hymns of old to contemporary gospel. His anointing was apparent in his ability to stroke the pedals and keys of the organ with such ease, passion and mastery. His beloved sister Kathy fondly recalls pew races while their mother held choir rehearsals. She remembers that from 6-11 years of age, she was required to take piano lessons from the late Mother Gertrude Brooks Groves. An opportunity Stan Jr. was adamantly opposed to participating in. However, as the Lord would have it, when their father was appointed to St. John AME Church, Stan was fourteen years old. The church had an organ with no organist, so he felt compelled to return to Mother Groves who taught him to read music and the basics of playing the organ. Stan fell in love with the instrument and the music and dived deep into teaching himself from that point forward. Much like his mother, he dedicated his life to sharing his musical gifts and talents at gatherings regardless of size, denomination or compensation. Chapter IV: Servant Leader Stan owned and operated the Counts Insurance Services LLC. He graduated from Rockhurst University with a Master's Degree in Education, and completed an MBA with the Keller Graduate School of Management. He was once cited in LinkedIn as someone who "draws the best out of every person, communicates expectations and shares successes." Stan has literally built his entire executive career on that principle. A high energy, fiscally conscious, and goal-driven executive, he approached each new challenge with his intrinsic flair for innovation, creative problem-solving, and measured risk-taking to drive consistent bottom-line improvements and measurable outcomes. Stan was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., on December 7, 1983, at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Mu Mu chapter. He has served the Omicron Xi graduate chapter in various capacities: as Basileus, MSP chair, reclamation committee chair, Omega Ball co-chair, and on various other committees. He served as the state representative of Kansas in the eighth district. Additionally, he has been awarded the Omega Man of the Year and Superior Service awards from Omicron Xi chapter. Following in his father's footsteps, his civic affiliations extend further with his membership in the Coles-Finch Lodge #186, F. & A.M., P.H.A. He has served in various offices including the local and district levels. Stanley was the Worshipful Master of Blue Valley Lodge #64. He then became the District Deputy Grand Master and also served as Treasurer in Blue Valley. Once Blue Valley and John Turner merged, the lodge was named Coles-Finch #186. Past Master Counts was elected as the secretary of Coles-Finch and a few years later he became the District Treasurer in which he served until he went home to be with the Lord. Final Chapter: Legacy Stan Jr., a lifelong resident of the City of Fountains, was the son of a preacher and a teacher who always taught him to serve people. He says, "I believe that when you serve people you never really lose, because the seed you planted will grow into something positive for the people you help and you. In his final days, Stan continued to proclaim Jesus as Lord, and offered his family comfort sharing that he "felt the love." Stan is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lajuana M. (Batchelor) Counts, children, Jene P., Steffan L. G. and Michelle L. Counts; three granddaughters, Noelle, Nyla and Nia Counts-James; one sister, Lee Katherine Counts-Pollard (William, II); mother-in-law, Warlene Reed of St. Charles, MO; sister-in-law, Angela Batchelor of St. Charles, MO; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Edwin T. (Tana) Batchelor of Madison, WI, and Byron (Katy) Reed of Denver, CO; aunt, Carolyn J. Anderson of Kansas City, MO.; nephew, William Edward Pollard III, and a host of very special cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Arthur W. (Grace) Counts; Homer (Loretta Truelove) Lockett, step-grandmothers: Josephine Lockett and Hazel Lockett; parents: Stanley L. (Dorothy J. Lockett) Counts, Sr. Friday 12/17/21 Visitation 5:00 p.m. - 8:00, Masonic service 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 12/18/21, Visitation 9:00 a.m. - 11. Followed by Funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m., Paseo Baptist Church, 2501 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Services entrusted to Amos Cooley of Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors (816) 763-9100.