Stanley Raymond Napper, 82, was born to Raymond Napper and Maxine Coleman Napper, April 4, 1943, and went home to his Savior, January 16, 2026, surrounded by family, whom he adored.
Stan was a standout athlete at Daviess County High School, earning letters in both football and basketball. He went on to play football at Western Kentucky University from 1961 to 1965, contributing to the Hilltoppers’ 1963 Tangerine Bowl victory as OVC champions, highlighted by his 57 yard touchdown run. After graduating, he continued his football career at the professional level, playing for the BC Vancouver Lions.
In 1965, he married his true love, Jacqualine Robertson, and went on to pursue his master’s degree at Indiana University. He continued his commitment to football through coaching and teaching at Breckenridge County High School and later at Apollo High School, where he was deeply respected and loved by both his students and his players.
Stan pursued a variety of entrepreneurial ventures in oil and gas and had a gift for connecting with everyone he met. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially during their travels together. He found deep joy in the beauty of nature and loved being outdoors. His Christian faith and the fellowship of his church family were also central to his life.
Stan was a member and deacon at Third Baptist Church most of his life, and most recently was a member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church, which he cherished.
In addition to his parents, Raymond and Maxine Napper, Stan was preceded in death by his siblings, Sandra Fox and Stewart Napper.
Stan is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jackie, and their two children, Amy Douglas (Dan), and Rob Napper (Amber), two grandchildren, Kate Douglas (Jeremy Dobbs) and Connor Douglas; siblings, Sue Ellen Skahill (Tom) and Scott Napper (Lynn); and a sister-in-law, Sue Napper.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Yellow Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to Yellow Creek Baptist Church Kids Ministry, 5741 State Route 144, Owensboro, KY, 42303.