Steve Lagow

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Stephen “Steve” Lowell Lagow , age 75, passed away September 27, 2023 at his home in Joplin, Mo surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Joliet, Illinois on October 29th, 1947 to Glenn and Loretta Lagow (Stephenson).

Steve grew up in Dixon, IL for a short period before the family moved to Cherryvale, Ks in 1962. He graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1966 and went on to earn an Associates Degree from Independence Jr College in 1968.

Steve was joined in marriage to Margaret Read on July 20, 1969 in Cherryvale, Ks before shipping out to Long Beach, Ca.

Steve served in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1972, where he was assigned to the USS Mispillion 105 during the Vietnam War. During his service he served directly under the admiral tasked with printing classified information.

In 1972, Steve and Margaret, moved back to Cherryvale, Ks to take over his dad’s print shop. Then in 1975 they moved to Parsons, Ks where they started the family business, Lagow Portrait Designs. They ultimately moved the business to Joplin, Mo in 1985 where it continued until his retirement in 2017.

Throughout his photography career he earned several degrees including the Master of Photography, Craftsman, and ASP Fellowship. Some of his work was chosen by Kodak to be displayed in their EPCOT exhibit. He earned numerous state, regional, and national Fuji & Kodak awards. He will always be remembered as a true artist and was considered one of the best in his field, being a mentor to many including his first born, Stephanie.

Steve wasn’t just a photographer but an entertainer too.

Steve was known for his fun loving outlook on life and that ornery smile. He was truly a kid at heart. He was the ultimate prankster, enjoyed performing magic for anyone that would let him, including many performances for his daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren’s school classes. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved feeding the birds, hunting with his friends and family. Although during his latter years he preferred feeding the deer in his front yard often calling them in by whistling.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn & Loretta Lagow.

Survivors include his wife Margaret Lagow; daughter Stephanie DeTar and husband Josh DeTar (Joplin); daughter Danielle Krshka and husband Kyle Krshka (Tulsa); sister Beth Smith and Ron McHugh (Independence, Ks); sister Ellen Warders and Larry Warders (Silvercreek, Ks); his grandchildren include Wyatt, Shepard and Crosby DeTar, and Kolton Krshka.

Visitation will be Friday, September 29th at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri at 5:30pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday September 30th at 10:00am at Forrest Park Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Osborne Cemetery, Joplin Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions are made to The Alzheimer's Association or The Fellowship of Christians and Jews.