Our beloved father, Joseph Gagen Stockdale Jr., 90, born Dec. 6, 1925, in Allegan, the son of Joseph and Lillian Stockdale, passed away on Oct. 5, 2016.
He graduated from Allegan High School, and after a brief time in New York City, graduated from the Fagan School of Drama. He then went into the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.A., received his M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Ph.D. from the University of Denver.
July 4, 1947, he married the beautiful love of his life Robin Fastenrath. The two of them were one of the 14 original members of the Village Players, which later became the Barn Theater in Augusta. They went on to have five children.
His illustrious career spanned more than 40 years as he passionately pursued directing, teaching and writing; culminating with becoming Dean of Theater Arts and Film in 1975 at the State University of New York at Purchase. He directed 138 professional productions and worked closely with many notables including James Earl Jones, Frances Farmer and Anne Revere. In addition, he was the artistic director of the Woodstock Summer Theater, directed off-off Broadway and was a contributing writer for TheaterWeek. He also acted in some 60 productions.
A scholarship endowment is named in his honor at Purdue University where he spent 25 years. He was also awarded the National Samuel French Award for Excellence in playwriting instruction.
He has recently authored five books, "Man in the Spangled Pants" (Jack Ragotzy and the first years of the Barn Theater), "The Architecture of Drama: Plot, Character, Theme, Genre, and Style,""Taking Tennessee to Hart" (not a Travel Book!), "April East," and his memoir, "Stages: A Life in the Theater."
For us children, he was a profoundly dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather in which words, both in quality and quantity, can never fully describe. Our deep love and respect for him will go on as he is forever remembered and cherished. He was our hero!
He is survived by his five children, Laurie Striedinger (Tony), Joe III, David, John and Larkin Walsh (Art); six grandchildren, Nathan, Charles, Stephen, Michael, Ben and Jake; and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 68 years, Robin, who passed on Jan. 11, 2015.
A special, loving thank you to Jane and Tom for the priceless care they gave our father and to the Kalamazoo Skyrise residents who were so lovely to both our parents.
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. at Trowbridge Methodist Cemetery, Trowbridge Township.
Memorials may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice, 5473 Croyden Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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