Michael Steven Stalnaker was born on March 24, 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Mack Jr. and Marguerite (Calvird) Stalnaker. He entered into eternity to be with the Lord and his loved ones who have gone on before, on May 5, 2013 at his home in Springfield, Missouri. Michael moved to the Polk County, Missouri area at a young age and he along with his family moved to Springfield, in 1965. He graduated from Willard High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation he was employed by Donavon and Mary Lou Lakin at Commercial Embalming Service fulfilling a life-long dream, to work in the funeral industry. On June 23, 1973 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ruth Apperson. Finding the need for full-time employment he went to work for Gospel Publishing House and was a typesetter for 23 years. Again he was called to work by Service Corporation International, and served as manager of several area funeral homes where Mike made many long-time friends, assisting families in making funeral arrangements for their loved ones. He served at the Harris Funeral Homes in Ozark and Nixa Missouri and was manager of the Thieme Funeral Home. He also worked at Ayre- Goodwin -Lee, Thieme-Shadel- Hicks and White Chapel Funeral Homes in Springfield. Mike retired from the funeral service after a fall and he was no longer to work in the profession he loved so much. Mike enjoyed reading, researching his family genealogy, crafts, collecting cookbooks and cooking meals for his family. Mike was proud to be "Daddy" to Gus, Jody and Nicholos his "boys". Mike made a profession of faith at an early age and enjoyed his memberships at Central Assembly of God Church, King's Chapel Assembly of God, and being a current member of Briar Street Baptist Church. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother and sister; Gerald Allen and Carol Sue Stalnaker, his grandparents; Leonard and Etta Calvird, Mack and Bertha Stalnaker, and John and Blanche (Stalnaker) Gladden, and his father- and mother -in -law, Afton and Freeda Apperson. He was also preceded in death by a special uncle; Harry R. Stalnaker; and aunt, Mary Belle Kittell. Survivors include his wife; Carolyn Ruth, a brother and his wife; James and Mary Ann Stalnaker; of Springfield, a sister, Kathy Lynn Stalnaker and a brother Jeff Stalnaker both of Republic, Missouri. A niece Tammy Stalnaker of Springfield; a special aunt, Jobeth Spalding of Independence, Missouri, and other relatives and special friends including Don and Mary Lou Lakin, Barbara Hinds, his "adopted son" Mickey Bastista and his two precious children whom he claimed as his grandchildren, Jaidynn and Caleb, Wess and Kelly Diehl, Darrell and Teresa Mead. We want to give a special thanks to the staff of Integrity Home Health Services especially Edna, Elizabeth, Melissa, Deb, Ashley, Corinne and Chris for their outstanding services during Michael's final days on this earth. The family has entrusted the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home to provide final services, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7 pm, with Reverend Darrell Mead and Reverend BJ Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens in Springfield on May 10 at 10am. There will be a visitation from 6 to 7 pm in the funeral home. The family would like to express special thanks to Clint and Heather Mease and the staff of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home for their many kindnesses shown to them. If so desired memorial donations may be made to the Southwest Humane Society, Springfield, Missouri, or Briar Street Baptist Church, or Integrity Home Support Services. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.