Stanton George Cram

Pastor Stanton George Cram, 87, of Springdale, Arkansas, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Born on February 2, 1939, in Heavener, Oklahoma, Stanton was the youngest child of George Cram and Neva Opal Robinson Cram McMahand. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Chester Cram, Dale Cram, and Jim Cram; and his sisters, Dorothy Cram and Neva Jane White.

On July 6, 1962, Stanton married the love of his life, Virginia Lee "Jenny" Fancher of Kingston, Arkansas. Together they shared sixty-four years of marriage. Jenny survives him, along with their daughter, Jennifer Cram Moore (Steve) of Springdale; their son, Jeff Cram of Springdale; grandchildren JennyKate Webb Freeman (Eric), Caroline Webb Paul (Christian), Jacob Cram (Cassie), Max Cram, and Nate Cram; and great-grandchildren James Henry Freeman, Ellison Freeman, Evyn Cram, Elliott Cram, and Emmett Cram.

After graduating from Springdale High School in 1957, Stanton proudly served in the United States Air Force. Before entering the ministry, he worked as a salesman for S & E Wholesale Grocers in Springdale for sixteen years. He first answered God's call to ministry while serving as the bi-vocational pastor of Thomas Lakeview Bible Church in Tontitown before later entering full-time pastoral ministry.

Everything about Stanton's life changed on February 4, 1973.

Following the death of his beloved mother, Stanton experienced what could be described as a "Damascus Road" encounter with Jesus Christ. From that day forward, he devoted the rest of his life to knowing God's Word and leading others to know the Savior who had transformed his own life.

God's call led Stanton to pastor Thomas Lakeview Bible Church, First Baptist Church of Pea Ridge, Eagle Heights Baptist Church in Harrison, and finally Friendship Baptist Church in Springdale. At each church, he faithfully preached the Scriptures verse by verse, believing that God's Word had the power to change lives.

Stanton's ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. He believed people mattered. He made it a priority to learn his church member's names and greet them personally. He faithfully visited first-time guests in their homes, spent countless hours at hospital bedsides praying with families, and quietly walked beside people during some of life's most difficult moments.

He also possessed a heart for evangelism that never faded. Whether speaking with a church member, a neighbor, or a waitress whose name he had just read from a nametag, Stanton looked for opportunities to ask, "Is there something I can pray with you about?" He faithfully carried Gospel tracts in his pocket and considered it one of life's greatest privileges to tell others how they could know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Missions remained one of Stanton's deepest passions throughout his ministry. Long before mission trips became commonplace, he encouraged his churches to look beyond their own communities and invest in taking the Gospel around the world. He believed every believer had a part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Stanton often referred to himself as "a singing preacher." Blessed with a rich baritone voice, he frequently paused in the middle of a sermon to sing a cappella before continuing to preach! Those moments became treasured memories for many who sat under his ministry.

Stanton also enjoyed woodworking and spending time in his shop. His love of tinkering earned him the affectionate family nicknames "Tinker" and "Tink."

While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternity and celebrate a life wholly devoted to Christ. They take comfort in knowing that the Savior Stanton faithfully proclaimed for more than five decades has now welcomed him home with the words “Well done, good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either: The Gideons International or to Circle of Life Hospice