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Thomas J. "Tip" Stalnaker, of Bowden, passed peacefully into heaven, on Nov. 9, 2023, at his home, following a short period of declining health. He was under the care of his children and West Virginia Hospice.
Born Dec. 20, 1940, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Tom was the son of the late Pvt. Thomas J. Stalnaker, who died in combat during World War II, and Lorraine D. (Stalnaker) Burke.
He was raised in Bowden and was a 1959 graduate of Elkins High School.
On March 17, 1962, Tom married Annabelle Teter and together they enjoyed 50 years of marriage before her passing in March of 2012. He was a devoted husband and he loved his children dearly.
In his early career, Tom worked for Salt River Project in Mesa, Arizona, before returning home to West Virginia, where he worked for the United Parcel Service until retirement.
He delivered downtown Elkins for most of his UPS career and was known by everyone. He had an incredible work ethic, great sense of humor and laugh.
Tom loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a farmer at heart while working his career jobs.
His love for farming and animals started at a very young age working on the family farm. He spent every free moment at his farm, with his loyal dog "Peanut" by his side. He farmed and even continued to hunt until late last year. In fact, he killed his very last deer, a 10-point buck, in November of 2022.
He is survived by his children, Tim and special daughter-in-law Melissa Stalnaker of Bowden, Rick Stalnaker of Bowden and Christina Stalnaker of Pittsburgh; brother, Zack (Dana) Burke of Bowden; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his first precious child, Thomas "Tommy"; a special grandmother, Julia L. Dahmer, known as "mom"; a stepfather, Mark E. Burke; and brother, Mark "Lynn" Burke.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the West Virginia Hospice aides and nurses, Dr. Matthew Cupp, and special friend Becky Surface, for their excellent care of Tom.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, from the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Kevin Gainer officiating. Interment will follow in the Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions in memory of Tom be made to one of the following organizations: Randolph County Humane Society www.rchswv.org PO Box 785 Elkins, WV 26241 or Hospice Promise Foundation www.lhcgroup.com 901 Hugh Wallis Rd., South Lafayette, LA 70508.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Thomas J. "Tip" Stalnaker.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.