In memoriam: Devearl (Dee) Stanphill

Devearl was born May 21,1933 in Checotah, Oklahoma and departed on June 24, 2022 in Sonora, California.

Dee, as his friends and loved ones called him, was raised in Oakdale, CA. After graduation from Oakdale High School, he served in the U.S. Army. Dee served proudly in the Korean War and was honored by Military Veterans at his Memorial. The Family was presented with his USA Flag. Dee worked 36 years for PG&E until his retirement. He also worked in real estate for 45 years.

Dee was a Proud Cherokee and was an original founder of the Tuolumne Band of Cherokee Indians, Twain Harte, CA. Devearl Stanphill was also a lifetime member of the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley. Dee lived his life in the Spirit of Gadugi: he was always there for those in need. He was a community organizer, volunteer, and strong supporter of Meals On Wheels in the Sonora area, which is in the heart of the California Gold Country. He anticipated people's needs and was always first to help.

Dee was a beloved member of his community, he is greatly missed. He was also known for his great sense of humor. He was a proud member of the Moose Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Standard Community Church in Sonora.

He was preceded by his wife of 17 years Mary Lou Bengston Stanphill in 1972, then by his wife Kathy Brandted Stanphill in 2007. He is survived by his two children, Jerry (Violet) Stanphill of Great Falls, Montana, and Suzanne (Brian) Basaker of Sonora, CA; three grandchildren, Raymond Basaker of Sonora, CA, Trina Basaker Toole of Columbia Falls, MT, and Kevin Stanphill of Missoula, MT; one great granddaughter; and one great great granddaughter.