Stephen R. Stalker

Stephen (Steve) R. Stalker, 84, son of M. Eugene and Madolyn (Ham) Stalker passed away October 15, 2025. In the midst of battling throat cancer, a meningioma, which was dormant for decades, expanded causing inflammation in his brain and resulting in the complications that took his life. During all of this he maintained his sharp sense of humor and would make the caregivers smile and laugh.

His teenage years saw him becoming a pilot, acting as a DJ on local radio stations, and achieving his Eagle Scout award. During college he continued his radio work and added fashion photography while earning his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Later while he was working he earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology. He liked to know how things worked.

He served in the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Panama among other locations. In his spare time he went on air at the local radio station and over the years kept in touch with several people from that time period.

His employment career was varied with radio stations in the metro are as well as New York, both in front of the microphone and maintaining the broadcast towers and equipment. He also worked at a variety of jobs in the computer world.

His on air work allowed him to meet, greet, and be photographed with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra (twice), Led Zepplin, Janice Joplin, Gwen Stefani, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Elvis Presley.

In retirement, he served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister at his parish church, St. John the Baptist, on Strawberry Hill where he also recruited volunteers; helped in training new lectors and Eucharistic Ministers, and maintained the PA system for many years.

He was an active member of the Wyandotte County Master Gardeners since 2007. Early in this volunteer organization he was part of the Speaker’s Bureau but his primary focus was on photographing the various activities and people.

For the last 15 years he returned to amateur radio (WA0SRS) and was “host” of the Wednesday Night Network for Pilot Knob Amateur Radio Club in Leavenworth. He also provided significant photos of the various events of this organization.

He was extremely proud of his daughter and her accomplishments and delighted in speaking with granddaughter Sidney. He was very much in love with his wife of almost 33 years.

He will be remembered most for his resonant voice and the many opportunities he used to bring enjoyment to all around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Donna Dolinar Stalker, daughter Susan (Susie) Carroll (James), and granddaughter Sidney.

Services will be Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 708 North 4th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation from 9:00 a.m.; Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 a.m., and entombment at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Sisters Servants of Mary, Pilot Knob Amateur Radio Club, or your personal choice.