Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Marshal Melvin Dee Stiles

Oronogo Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Friday, July 26, 1974

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Reflections for Marshal Melvin Dee Stiles

Marshal Stiles, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2019

I was working for Mr. Stiles for the City of Webb City that summer before I turned 16. We lived very close to Oronogo at the time. I remember that night like it was yesterday. Officer Stiles responded to a domestic disturbance and from what I recall he was met at the front door by the angry man and killed with a single shotgun blast.

I cried all night until the sun came up. I had never lost anyone remotely close to me and I had worked the entire summer with him. To this day, I remember how he drove us to do good work but was respectful of us even as teenagers.

Rest in Peace Marshall Stiles I will always remember you

Kevin Sanderlin

June 20, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Marshal Stiles.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

I never got to meet my grandfather, because he was killed before i was born by two years. I can only think that he is watching over me now. The stories i here of him say that he was a man that would do anything to help anybody including the person who took his life. I see my grandfather in my dad because he is the same way. I can only hope that part of my grandfather is in me too. Thank you so much for onering my grandfather for the great man he was.

Heather Stiles McGuirk
grandaughter

April 1, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 10, 2007

Rest easy hero, you will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 8, 2006

Marshal Stiles,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oronogo.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 26, 2005

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