Stanton retired in November 2008 as the County Executive Director (CED) of the USDA Lafayette County Farm Service Agency (FSA) after 33-years of service.  He was responsible for the office’s day-to-day operation, administration of federal farm programs, and the supervision of six employees.  Stanton was also responsible, under the County FSA Committee, for the distribution of $12 million in annual program benefits to nearly 3,000 customers.  Lafayette County has one of the largest FSA workloads in Missouri.  His ability to interpret regulations and educate customers was recognized statewide.

Stanton received numerous certificates of appreciation and other awards for his leadership and managerial performance.  In 2002, Lafayette County was nationally recognized when it received the FSA Administrator’s Award for efforts to reach out to women landowners.  This multi-county “Women Landowners Ag-Conference” has been held 9 consecutive years.  At the request of the State Executive Director (SED), Stanton organized and directed a comprehensive overhaul of Missouri’s County Operations Trainee (COT) learning continuum utilizing his extensive experience of training over 100 COTs.  He served as the editor of a 12-county FSA district newsletter, and broadcast FSA news weekly on two area radio stations for over ten years.

Stanton graduated from Slater High School in 1966; from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree (majoring in Agri-Business); and again in 1974 from MU with a Bachelor of Journalism Degree (majoring in Advertising).

For over 15-years he has managed the family’s farming operation north of Marshall, Missouri.  The farm produces corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

Stanton served 35-years in the United States Navy (much of the time in the reserves), and retired with the rank of two-star Rear Admiral.  He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, the First Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror; and has held numerous positions of significant responsibility within the military.  His military service was instrumental in developing his leadership, organizational, and problem solving skills.

Thompson is married to Sandra Kirby Thompson formerly of Slater.  They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.