Steve Slinker

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Steven Alan Slinker was born on Saturday, January 8, 1949, at 12:10 p.m. at the Lamar Clinic in Lamar, Missouri, to James Kent Slinker and Margie Pearl Helms Slinker of rural Lamar.

Steve attended Prairie Rose Country School through the eighth grade and later graduated from Lamar High School in May 1967. He continued his education at Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, Missouri, from August 1967 through December 1968. In December 1968, he enlisted in the National Guard, where he proudly served for six years.

As a teenager, Steve worked for several neighboring farmers, as well as the Blue Top, Harley Hagins Phillips 66 Station, the Lamar Greenhouse, Davis TV, and Gilkey Chevrolet.

Steve attended the Church of the Nazarene in Lamar until age 10 when his family joined the First Christian Church of Lamar. He was baptized on November 4, 1960, by Minister Roy Wheeler. Throughout his life, he remained an active, devoted member of the church, serving in the Bus Ministry, as a youth sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Elder. He encouraged his children to remain faithful and to worship with their own families as they grew older.

In the fall of 1968, Steve was introduced to Leila Rose Beydler by his sister, Pam. Pam had taken a position with Finley Engineering Company, where Leila had already been employed for a year. Steve and Leila were united in marriage on October 12, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Lamar, Missouri. The ceremony was officiated by Dan Fields, a friend of Steve’s. His brother-in-law and sister, Jim and Pam Ryder, served as best man and maid of honor, having themselves been married just two months earlier.

Steve worked for Potter Plumbing and Heating from 1969 to 1972, during which time he also took night classes at Pittsburg State University for a semester in refrigeration. In December 1972, he began working for Missouri Gas Energy in Lamar, where he served as a resident serviceman and built a dedicated career spanning forty years.

In June 1972, Steve and Leila moved to the farm east of Lamar that he and his father purchased, after living in town for nearly three years. There, he farmed alongside his father until his father’s retirement. Steve also operated a mobile home rental business for over thirty years.

Steve found great joy in raising his family on the farm. He cherished family vacations, attending ball games, and spending time at the lake. He coached his children in baseball, basketball, and in life, and later took pride in cheering on his children and grandchildren in all their pursuits.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leila Slinker; his children, Kent (Dana) Slinker of Webb City, Missouri; Steve E. Slinker (friend Jessica Miller) of Lamar, Missouri; and Charity (Ryan) North of Galena, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carter and Kylie Slinker of Webb City, Missouri; Colten (Alaina) Slinker of Springfield, Missouri; Codie Slinker of Liberal, Missouri; and Tyler Reitz, Kynlee King, and Mykayla King of Galena, Kansas. He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren, Marlee, Jordan, and Raylan North of Galena, Kansas, and Makinley and Jaydon Miller of Lamar, Missouri.

Additional survivors include his sister, Pam (Jim) Ryder of Lamar, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Lola (Lonnie) Wallace of Jerico Springs, Missouri, and Bea (Dennis) Ambler of Lamar, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Amy Ryder; Tim (Sarah) Ryder; Janet (Buck) Taylor; Karla Wallace; Doug (Bridgette) Wallace; Stephanie (Howard) Morris; Beth Ambler (Jeremy Hutton); and April Vaughan, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.

Steve will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep faith, and his unwavering devotion to his family and community.

A funeral service will be held at Lamar Christian Church at 1:00 PM Saturday July 25, 2026 followed by interment at Brasher Cemetery near Jerico Springs.

If you prefer to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, the family suggests Barton County Memorial Park (BCMP) in care of the funeral home.