Steven Shaune “Steve” Walsh

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Mr. Steven Shaune “Steve” Walsh, 63, of Ashland passed away Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Steve’s beloved wife, Missouri State Representative Sara Walsh of District 50, shared an abiding love that was united by faith in God, mutual admiration, and complete dedication to one another. They were the proud “parents” of their adopted dog, Wish. Steve was a loving and faithful husband. He was a devout and faithful follower of his Lord Jesus Christ and his faithfulness to God, country, and family were the hallmark of his life.

Steve grew up in Canada and got his history degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec with a minor in political science. It was there he learned French, which he spoke fluently. He was also proficient in American sign language. Though born in Canada, Steve dreamed of becoming an American, a dream fulfilled when he went through the long legal process to achieve citizenship, proudly adding the U.S. passport to his passport from Canada. He also had a passport from Ireland, as a relative of Irish immigrants.

Professionally, Steve combined a love of broadcasting and politics to create a remarkable career that took him from his native Canada, to Washington, D.C., and, finally, to Missouri. Steve worked more than 10 years as the press secretary for Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, working first on her congresswoman’s campaign, then joining her staff when she won election. He worked for many years in the nation’s capital, working as news editor for the Westwood One Companies of the Mutual Broadcasting System and NBC radio as well as an anchor for WPGC-AM, the Unistar Radio Network, and WWRC-AM.

Steve was active in Republican politics. He was a sustaining member of the Republican National Committee, as well as a member of the Boone County Pachyderm Club, the Boone County Republican Central Committee, and the Columbia Pachyderm Club. He was also past president of the Cole County Republican Club. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Many Missourians know Steve’s voice from his extensive work for MissouriNet, the statewide radio network, where he anchored newscasts, covered the state Capitol, and reported on a variety of issues over a 10-year career with the Jefferson City-based network.

Though Steve worked among the political and journalistic elite in Washington, D.C., he became restless and, seeking the heart of America, settled in Missouri. A relentless quest for knowledge motivated Steve in all his pursuits. He sought truth and found it in the One who stated, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” He found that truth and freedom in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, whom he faithfully served.

Steve had a warm and inviting personality, tinged with a sharp sense of humor, that naturally attracted people. Those who got to know him, loved him. He had a vast store of knowledge from his wide reading, especially in history. His friends were amazed by his photographic memory. He was charming, friendly, loyal, compassionate, with a quick wit which could become a bit sarcastic. For close friends, Steve would work their name into a song or use a special nickname for them. He never knew a stranger and made sure nobody else did, introducing people to each other so everyone felt welcome.

Steve loved animals, especially dogs and horses, and rarely would pass a dog without stopping to get acquainted. He loved road trips and visited all 50 states. He especially enjoyed traveling Route 66.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Sara; sister-in-law, Rebecca (Joshua) Windle; sister-in-law, Deborah (Mark) Freemantle; mother-in-law, Janet Dickson; father-in-law, Vernon Dickson; niece, Kim (Marc) Walsh; nephews, Nicholas, Christopher, Patrick (Courtney); great-nephews and great-nieces, Jonathan, Sarah-Michelle, Mark-Evan, Beau and Riley; and best friends, John and Mary Hendler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Mildred Florence Walsh; brothers, Gary and Brian (Lise); brother-in-law, Michael Dickson; nephew, Eric Robert Walsh.

His life touched so many. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church. Interment will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Missouri Right to Life in Steve’s memory.

Arrangements for Mr. Walsh are under the direction of Tyler M. Woods, funeral director, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com.


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