Funeral services for John W. Stacey, 71, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Central Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas with Rev. Mike Meadows officiating. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham, Texas. Visitation will be held Friday, May 9, 2014 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

John W. Stacey of Livingston died on May 6, 2014 at home.

John was born January 9, 1943, the son of Owen and Emma Stacey in Northfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional School. He held Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music education from East Texas State University, now called Texas A&M Commerce. John taught for 17 years in public schools where he had a positive effect on many young people as evidenced by his many students who were Facebook friends. He also taught for 16 years in the Wyndham Schools in the Texas prison system where he also touched many lives. In 1995, he was recognized as Vocational Teacher of the year.

John and his wife of 48 years Rosemary were faithful members of First Baptist Lake Jackson for many years. He sang tenor in the choir, served as interim music director, directed the church orchestra and was director of a Sunday school department. During a 5 ½ year temporary music director position in Angleton, John and Rosemary became involved in Volunteer Christian Builders. Summer vacations were planned around a building project.

In December, 1998 John and Rosemary retired to Lake Livingston where they built their home and a new life. Following God's leadership, they began work with Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders Cabinet Crew. RVing and building churches became their passion.

Locally, John was involved in Community Band, Community Jazz Band, and Community Concerts. He served on the first board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, helping secure a charter for the group. He also served on the board of Texas Landing Property owners association, serving as President for many years.

At his beloved Central Baptist Church, he served a Choir President for many years, was a Sunday School director, and served on numerous committees. He helped in the building of the new sanctuary.

In 2006, John was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. He fought it with various forms of treatment. In 2012, John and Rosemary were featured in the Enterprise as Survivor and Caregiver for Relay for Life. John was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing.

John is preceded in death by parents, Owen and Emma Stacey and his sister, Dorothy Nimchick. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary and 3 sons and their wives, David and Molly Stacey of Hutto, Daryl and Joanna Stacey of Belton and Devin and Lynda Stacey of Fort Worth, a brother, Arthur Stacey of Rutland, Vermont and wife Faith, grandchildren – Hannah Stacey, Daniel Stacey, Emma Stacey, Cameron Stacey, Kendall Stacey, Rowen Stacey, Desiree Stacey, Danielle Stacey and Isaac Stacey. Also, John is survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Central Baptist Church building fund. Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com