Wallace Stephen LaMastus

Wallace Stephen ‘Steve' LaMastus, 74, of Springdale, Arkansas went to rest in Eternal Glory on Monday, January 8, 2018 in Springdale, Ark., surrounded by his family. Steve was a gentle, kind, and talented man with an extraordinary personality. He never met a stranger, and he never missed an opportunity to help others or to make someone smile. He was a lover of all types of music, especially Opera, Gospel, and anything by his favorite performer, Elvis Presley. He was a multiple sport athlete, and was an avid fan of all sports, but he was especially fond of his beloved New York Yankees and any football team on which one of the Mannings played. He was born January 30, 1943 in Leflore County, MS to William E LaMastus Sr. and Cecelia (Gandy) LaMastus. He was raised in Drew, Miss., where he was a member of the Drew Methodist Church Choir. He was a 1960 graduate of Drew High School, where he received six titles in the Who's Who contest, and he was named ‘Mr. Drew High School'. His love for baseball led him to Delta State University where he played on scholarship for legendary coach Dave ‘Boo' Ferriss from 1960-1964. He graduated from Delta State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Music, where he was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity, and was also voted ‘Most Handsome'. After receiving his Master of Music from the University of Texas in 1969, his passion for music led him to Northwest Arkansas where he met and married Barbara Bolls He became Music Director for The Arts Center of the Ozarks where he directed numerous musical productions. He also began working as Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church in Springdale—a position he cherished at a place he would call his church home for the next 47 years. He touched countless lives through the ministry of music, and he treasured the friendships and fellowship shared there. Steve was a retired insurance agent, working at Prudential and Walker Brothers Insurance. Following his retirement, he worked at Dillard's in Rogers, Ark. For many years he was active in the Springdale Lions Club, serving as President on two occasions. But the role he loved most of all, was playing ‘Granddaddy Steve' to his six grandchildren whom he adored. They played catch, shared countless board games, played epic games of hide-and-go-seek, and he always had them laughing with his legendary corny jokes. Grandaddy Steve never missed a play, dance recital or sporting event in which they participated. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William E LaMastus Jr. He is survived by his two daughters, Lara Waite and husband Billy; Stephanie West and husband Tom; six grandchildren Finley, Callan, and Andrew Raines Waite, and Tyler, Addison, and Parker Stephen West, all of Fayetteville, Ark.; and Barbara Bolls LaMastus of Springdale, Ark. A Witness to the Resurrection, A service of Worship in Memory of Steve will be held Sunday January 14 at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Springdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the music fund of First Presbyterian Church of Springdale. Honorary Pallbearers are nephews Ed LaMastus, Alan LaMastus, Trent LaMastus, and niece, Casey LaMastus Carr, and close friends, Larry Liddell, Jerry Stigler, Terry Bankston, and Billy Darr. For those who are unable to attend, you may view the service at www.fpcspringdale.com. Please visit his online memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.