Who We Are

Meet the people behind the passion.

Joe Stansbury
Growing up in the tight knit community of Smith Center, Kansas, I’ve come to appreciate the strong bonds that connect us as neighbors, friends, and a united community. From attending school, or playing sports, to being involved in clubs, unforgettable memories were forged from all these experiences. The lessons I learned —perseverance, teamwork, and determination— have guided me in every aspect of my life. I was lucky enough to learn from some of the best teachers and coaches and still use their teachings and advice to this day.

Beyond CM, my heart is deeply entwined with the community that has given me so much. You will often find me coaching young athletes or contributing my time to various community initiatives. I believe in the power of giving back, of being a positive influence, and of helping shape the next generation. I’ve always embraced the role of leading by example and always willing to work alongside anyone, anytime. Today, as a proud husband and father to four energetic boys, my life revolves around the values of hard work, commitment, and the joy of raising a family in the same town that shaped me. My love for Smith Center is deep because of what it has provided me. The process of giving back to our community is important to me and I study where my time or donation can be used best. I am hopeful the impact of giving back will last long after I am gone.
My greatest achievement is family. My wife McKayla (Overmiller) and our four boys – Isaac, Ian, Ilam, and Iker – keep me grounded. The chaos of owning a business has prepared me for a life following four active boys and their sports schedules. McKayla is also a business owner and full time mom AND still manages to keep all of us in line. Doing life with her is the best and we (boys and the dog) thank God for her.
In everything I do, whether crafting intricate designs for monuments, metal, and signage or devoting time to our tight-knit community, my goal is to reflect the values that have guided me. I invite you to join me on this journey, where we celebrate the ties that bind us—family, community, and the shared dedication to creating a better tomorrow.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a bit about me. I’m eager to connect with you, whether it’s through our work at Center Monuments or our shared involvement in the wonderful community of Smith Center.

Shawn Stansbury
Born and raised in the heart of Smith Center, Kansas, this town is a part of me, forming the very foundation of who I am today. From my early years, I found myself drawn to the camaraderie and exhilaration of sports, proudly donning the Redmen colors as I represented our town on the field. Smith Center’s rich sports culture not only taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance but also instilled in me a deep sense of pride in our community.

Now, as a husband and father, I’ve come full circle, choosing to raise my own family in the same town that nurtured me. My wife Ellie (Albert) and our three children – Savannah, Tucker, and Cedric love our community and do all we can to give back. Returning home after graduating college wasn’t just about preserving tradition—it was about embracing the profound sense of belonging that Smith Center offers. I enjoy being a part of a business that enables me to give back to the place that means the world to me. With children involved in youth activities and my wife Ellie being a 4th grade teacher, we are very involved with the area youth. From sports to church, we want our example and impact to matter and change a life for the better. I have the privilege to coach our local high school football team and be a part of the strong custom of molding young men in our community. Outside of work, you will find me on the football field, baseball and softball diamond, and in the wrestling room giving back through coaching.
Whether crafting monuments, metal signs, or signage, my dedication to every project is fueled by a desire to weave a piece of our community’s story into each creation. I invite you to join me in this endeavor, as we celebrate the beauty of heritage, community, and the memories that connect us all.
Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you.