Robert “Bob” Lynn Stanclift
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Private family services will be held for Robert Lynn Stanclift, 71, Lawrence. Burial will be held Oak Ridge Cemetery in Perry, KS. The family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A viewing of the “live-stream” private family service will be able to be viewed at warrenmcelwain.com on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
Kansas’ all-time winningest softball coach Bob Stanclift died Sept. 29 in Monroe, N.C. Stanclift was 71 years old and a volunteer softball coach for Wingate University under head coach, and his daughter, Jamie Stanclift.
Robert was born on March 6, 1949 in Lawrence, the son of Raymond Earl and Virginia Lucille (Michael) Stanclift.
A native of Lawrence, Kan., Stanclift earned a bachelor’s degree in education from KU in 1972 and a master’s degree in physical education in 1976. He played baseball for the Jayhawks in 1972 and played two seasons semi-professionally. Following his baseball career, Stanclift returned to KU and coached both the volleyball and softball programs.
From 1976 to 1978, Stanclift guided the KU volleyball team to a 101-63-6 record, advancing to the AIAW Region VI playoffs all three seasons.
Stanclift led the KU’s softball team to an impressive 359-175 record in his 11 seasons from 1976 through 1987. In 1977, his first year at KU, the Jayhawks went 26-12, claimed its first-ever softball conference title advanced to the AIAW College World Series and finished seventh in the nation. The Jayhawks would return to the AIAW College World Series in 1979 (finishing ninth) and make trips to the NCAA Regionals in 1983, 1985 and 1986 under Stanclift. KU also won two more Big Eight titles in 1979 and 1983.
Stanclift coached six softball Jayhawks to seven All-America honors, 18 Jayhawks to 29 All-Big Eight selections, and led the Kansas to three NCAA tournament appearances in 1983, 1985 and 1986. He was named the 1986 NCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year. A member of Kansas Athletics’ K Club, Stanclift was inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
Following his KU coaching stints, Stanclift worked 24 years (1989-2013) as a recreation supervisor for the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department before turning to volunteer coaching at the collegiate level under Jamie. He served as the volunteer assistant coach at Baker University the six years prior to joining the Wingate staff in summer 2019.
Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Stanclift; son, Brett Stanclift, both of Lawrence; two brothers, Mike Stanclift, Lawrence, Larry Stanclift, Salt Lake City, Utah; four nieces and four nephews; and great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at West Coast Saloon.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation https://www.yourcpf.org/donate-2/ or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Gone but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are will the Stanclift Family.
So very sorry to hear about Coach Bob. He made me a Jayhawk! He taught me so much about our sport(s) and life. I will always be eternally grateful and proud to have played for him and to call him a friend.
Hugs and prayers to all of his family and friends.
We were saddened by the news of Bob’s passing but know he was a very successful and well liked man. We knew the Stanclift family for years since we lived across the street from them on 20th St in the late 60’s and years following. Bob, like his older brother, Larry, were premier athletics and “Streak,” as we called Mike, was an athlete in his own right also. The Stanclift family were great neighbors and we have missed seeing Larry and Mike (and their families) for several years. Carl & Joyce
So sad to hear about Bob. I’ll always remember his sense of humor and our shared interests in hunting dogs, carp fishing, bird hunting and Mexican food. Rock Chalk Bob!
I’m sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I worked with him at Lawrence Parks and Recreation for 12 years.
He was a good man. He will be missed.
To the Stanclift Family, I am so sorry to here about Bobby. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dearest Jamie and Brett,
There are not any words to heal your broken hearts. Please know that we are holding you and all those who love your Dad in our prayers and close in our hearts.❤️
To all of the Stancliff family,
I am so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. We went to school together from 7th grade through graduation in 1967. RIP Bob!
Jamie and Brett, My deepest condolences for the loss of your Dad. You’re both in my thoughts and prayers. Love you
So many fun memories of Bob- Debating every year when he moved our Lawrence Parks & Recreation softball team up a league, as well as all of the fun times hanging out at the West Coast Saloon! A kind and sweet man and I look forward to seeing him again one day in heaven! Sending prayers to the family!
So very saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Lots of great memories with the Stancliff family. Prayers for peace and comfort for all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Praying for God’s grace to bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Jamie and Brett, Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Some good memories of the softball days with your Dad and Gary. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jamie, I know he must have been busting with pride that you followed in his footsteps and he got to share this experience with you! The last time we saw him was at the West Coast and he was was so proud of all of your accomplishments! Prayers for you all.
The Corkills. Clyde, Bev, Audrey and Jessica!
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bobby’s sudden passing. He and I were classmates and friends from 7th grade through Lawrence High graduation in 1967. He was cute, energetic, positive, athletic, and a natural leader. May the Lord Jesus comfort all his grieving loved ones. He will be truly missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Stanclift family
Well, if ever there was a free pass to heaven, then Bobby would be the one to earn it! The Stanclifts lived in North Lawrence, but Larry and Bobby attended school at Number 6 (Still standing on the corner of 23rd and Iowa) with Sheri, Steve and I (David, our younger brother did not attend there before they moved us all into city schools). Bobby was a good athlete with a great sense of humor and (a Stanclift family trait) a hilarious self-deprecating sarcastic sense of humor! His mother Lucille ran the No 6 band and Bobby played the accordion and I believe he also played the saxaphone. Multi-talented! Most people called him Bob, but he was always and always will be to me…Bobby! Since we shared the same birthday, March 6th, and although he was 3 years older than me, we would have birthday parties together (at that time period, later we didn’t do that). We (the Mitchell family) lived directly across the street (Mitchell Road). We had a big flat front yard, so my brothers and I plus Bobby, Larry and quite a bit later, Mike, would play football, wiffle ball, catch, 500 (a baseball game) in the front yard and basketball on the 9 foot goal I put up in the backyard (with no backboard). Bobby could “stuff” pretty easily, so a backboard was not necessary for him! RIP
Mike and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Bob. You will be in my prayers
Jeff Tryon
Jamie and Brett, We are saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. His love for you was obvious. May God bless you both and be with you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie and Mike
So sad to learn of Bob’s passing. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. I know he is coaching a team in heaven.
Bob was a classmate at LHS. Always a good egg and I played Legion BB with him. Tremendous sense of humor.
I am so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was very special to our staff at Lawrence Parks and Recreation. Lots of fond memories I will cherish. You have my deepest sympathy.
Kathy Fode
I was so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. My memories of Bob go back to CJHS football, American Legion Baseball, and our friendship throughout the years. My prayers are with him and his family! He will be forever missed for his contributions to Kansas Athletics and his genuine concern for his friends, former players and his family. I’m saddened but cannot forget the humorous times we shared.
We are so sorry to hear about Bob’s sudden passing. Tom worked with Bob for many years at Parks and Recreation. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom and Vicki Wilkerson.
Jamie and Brett,
While attending and graduating from LHS with your dad I got to know him our Sr. year at KU. I remember enjoying stories of my mom’s younger years from her old friends at her funeral and thought I would share a few with you two from your dad’s too. Yes, long before you, he was a fun loving young guy with the world ahead of him as we all did back then. Things you should know about your dad:
He was a hell of a dancer!
Played the saxophone at several fraternity party gatherings with roaring admiration from his frat brothers.
Was very well like and admired by those brothers and returned the admiration.
Was always a gentleman and funny guy.
And to me a great friend who shared the ups and downs of college life for a short time.
I watched the video of your dad’s service and was not surprised at the outstanding young woman you have become. You truly are, as well as your brother I’m sure, your dad’s greatest legacy. I can see that you loved him as much as he surely loved you two. Smile. He is probably playing ‘As the Saints Go Marching In’ on his saxophone at the golden gates right now.
Please accept my Heartfelt condolences. Bob leaves footprints on so many Hearts. I was a classmate of his from 7th grade through our graduation in 1967 , Lawrence High. He was always caring and full of positive energy. His sense of humor, always in play. Sadly, he left this world too soon. God Bless…
Sending love and prayers to Mike and family. Bob was outstanding in so many ways and accomplished so much, helping others achieve their best. Wishing you comfort in the promise that has been given to us and the gift of eternity to come. God bless and keep you strengthened by angels.
Mike I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Being your neighbor on 10th Street, I would see Bob arrive many mornings to spend time with you. Know that I am praying that God will show you HIS love, give you peace, strength and comfort your heart during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I worked with Bob at the Community Building with LPRD. Great memories! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.