Dr. Stuart B. Phipps, 55, left us unexpectedly on September 14, 2013. Son of the late June Phipps. Survived by beloved life partner of 36 years Carlos Castro, parents Ronnie and Jean, brother Sander, nephews Brent and Brian, and dogs Monty and Savvy. Stuart touched many lives and will be dearly missed by his extended chosen family. A professor of education at the University of St. Mary, Stuart was also an inspirational teacher and mentor for many in the Blue Valley school district, Rockhurst University, and UMKC, as well as an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. In addition to these, his greatest joy was Carlos and the life they shared with their dogs. Memorial service and reception Friday, Sept 20, 6 p.m. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes, KCMO. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stuart will always remain in my heart. I will remember his humor and kindness always.
Cheryl
September 13, 2022
Stuart is very missed on this planet! His humor, his smile, his interesting conversations that came from his heart and brought knowledge to all those who listened are all missing and that is a great loss. I am thankful I could enjoy his presence and I continue to hold him in my heart.
Jayne Sanderson
Work
September 13, 2022
I am sure he has been missed for months by many and now my missing begins. Carlos, I never met you, but Stuart was a professor and my closest advisor at Rockhurst. I am sorry for your loss.
Don Jones
July 11, 2014
Dr. Phipps was an amazing and inspirational teacher. He helped shape the person I am in my classroom everyday, and for that I am so grateful. He will never be forgotten.
Katrina
June 19, 2014
Stuart remains in my heart every day. His light lifted me and continues to do so. I see his smile and hear his humor. Blessings to you Carlos, and all Stuart's family and friends. He remains among us.
Blessings, peace,
Jayne Sanderson
February 21, 2014
What a beautiful person you are Stuart. I use the present tense.
Kenan Metzger
February 20, 2014
I know this note is late in coming, but I just wanted to let you know that I think of Dr. Phipps (and have for years) on an almost daily basis. So often, it seems almost second nature. Although we were only in contact for a few years thru classes at BVHS, he was one of the most influential teachers and people in my life. Additionally, as an alumni of Rockhurst, I was thrilled to learn he was teaching there. His telling me that he was teaching there was the last contact we had. I deeply regret not remaining in contact with this amazing man. I can only image the loss felt by those who were around him everyday. He was truly an exceptional and inspiring individual. I still think of him daily, and I always smile.
Kirsten
January 14, 2014
Carlos, I pray that God pours His peace, comfort and most importantly, His love over you daily. Stuart played such an important role in my life.
His honesty, and genuine care
was a gift I recieved from him
over 10 years ago. Through his geniune spirit of love and compassion for people, he taught me the importance of being true to self. His message of acceptance of one another is one I try to share with my own students daily. Stuart invited me yearly to share my story with his college students. Each presentation reinforced the importance of evaluating my "Head, Hand, Heart, and Healing". Stuart will remain a precious part of my life story. I miss him dearly, but will hold on to his spirit of joy, giving,and acceptance.
Deb Brockus
December 29, 2013
I light a candle remembering Stuart's light in my life. He is embedded in my heart and I'm so very blessed to have been able to know him.
Jayne Sanderson
December 15, 2013
I am a cousin of Stuart's we kept in touch during holidays I am so sorry for your loss. We had a lot of summer fun in Florida together. Janice Carter
Janice Carter
December 14, 2013
Carlos, I remember you and Stuart from back in the 80's via Westport Bodyworks.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Stuart are in my prayers.
October 25, 2013
Carlos I am so sorry for you lose. You are in my prayers and thoughts.Stuart could always make me laugh. I will miss his humor,wit, and his ablity to put me in a good mood.
Brian Hammons
October 11, 2013
I am so very sorry Carlos. It has been years since I have seen you. I would see Stuart on occasion in Blue Valley before he left there. Peace and love
Ilene katz
Ilene Katz
September 29, 2013
Carlos, My thoughts & prayers continue to be with you & Stuart. He was such an inspiration to us at St. Mary's & such a remarkable gentleman, & we miss him.
Jackie Behnke
September 25, 2013
Carlos, I'm sorry to hear this news. You have my sympathy and best wishes.
Mike Fischer
September 23, 2013
Thank you Stuart for the wonderful years you gave my childhood friend. It was such a pleasure to have known you. We will miss you.
Penny Garcia
September 22, 2013
I was so sad to hear of Stuart's passing. I will always remember his laugh, his mischief and his passion for teaching and learning.
Jane Robertson
September 20, 2013
Stuart helped me more than he knows. He first was my professor at UMKC. One day, we met and he shared with me about the struggles I may face one day as a homosexual teacher. Once, I started teaching, I realized what he was talking about. I would talk to him for guidance on ways to get through these situations. He truly helped me maintain my sanity and career. I will forever thank him!
Justin A
September 20, 2013
Stuart made my six years as a District Coordinating Teacher in Blue Valley easier, even fun, with humor,advice,
and friendship.I enjoyed working for him also as a consultant in his program at UMKC.He is a special person and will be missed by many. I learned a lot from Stuart. I will always remember Prairie Doggin' on Friday afternoons at BVDO.
Marie Drum
September 20, 2013
I was a student of Mr. Phipps 22 years ago and I remember his class very well. He was a great teacher that taught us to challenge ourselves each day; a life lesson that I will carry with me. I am truly sorry to hear about the sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Brandi Sharkey-Lee
September 20, 2013
My dear Carlos, it is so sad to have a friendship of so many decades taken away so quickly. My prayers are with you, Savvy and Monty.
Douglas Poplawski
September 20, 2013
I was shocked when I saw this. He always had a quick comeback as if he knew what was going to be said. As a student, he always challenged our thinking, pushing us to grow while making learning fun. He will be sorely missed.
Shawn Marney
September 19, 2013
I was so very sorry to hear of Stuart's passing! What a wonderful man! I cannot be at Friday's service but will be there in spirit. He will be missed!!
September 19, 2013
Carlos, my prayers are with you and Stuart. Gene
September 19, 2013
Stuart was ahead of his time bringing meaningful programs to Blue Valley School District as the DCT for Social Studies. He was always supportive of the teachers he worked with and I know many are shocked and saddened by his untimely death. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sharon Nelson
September 19, 2013
My colleague, my student and, mostly, my dear friend. We are so lucky to have known him - he touched many lives in so many places. He will live in our hearts and minds but sorely missed always.
Susan Adler
September 19, 2013
Stuart was an inspiration and leader among his peers. The time he gave his students, his listening ear, his wonderful humor....all just a part of the legacy he leaves for all of us. The universe is a little brighter with his light in it. He is gone too soon from this planet and will remain in our hearts. My prayers and love are sent to Carlos and all of Stuart's family and friends. Blessings, comfort, peace and love,
Jayne Sanderson
September 19, 2013
This is so sad. Stuart was such a good friend. He was my children's teacher -they would tell you he was phenomenal. And he was a faithful colleague. I will miss him tremendously. Carlos, my heart goes out to you. I know you were soul mates.
Millie Sampson
September 19, 2013
Carlitos, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Vicki Estrada
September 19, 2013
as an aunt to jennifer, and a sister to karen, i felt like a partial member of an extended family. we were lucky to sit next to stuart on the eve of jennifer and paul's wedding. how much fun to share in the delight of his wit and wisdom and warmth. carlos, your loss is a might weight, but you will revel in the 36 years of a most special loving relationship. build on that strength. we send you our heartfelt sympathy.
nomi solo
September 19, 2013
Stuart will be sorely missed. We had so many great times together. One of the best times was when we were grad students together. I will always remember his smile, his laugh and his comical, as well as sage advice.
Valerie Blackwell
September 19, 2013
Stuart's passing leaves an overwhelming void. He was an incredible person who spread joy, laughter, and light to everyone around him. I dearly miss working with him, as I always looked forward to talking and laughing with him each day. I am deeply saddened for Carlos's great loss and for that of the rest of his family.
Candace Schlein
September 19, 2013
Hey Stu,
So enjoyed working with you at BVSD, you always brightened my day when you dropped in DO with your craziness. Sorry Carlos, for your immense loss.
Bobbi Douglas
September 19, 2013
Stuart's passing leaves an overwhelming void. He was an incredible person who spread joy, laughter, and light to everyone around him. I miss working with him dearly, as I always looked forward to talking and laughing with him every day. I am deeply saddened for Carlos's great loss and for that of the rest of his family.
Candace Schlein
September 19, 2013
He was the most influential person in my professional life. He not only taught me how to be a great teacher, he modeled how in his classroom instruction at Rockhurst. A professor like Dr. Phipps comes around once in a lifetime. I am thankful I was able to express my gratitude this year. He believed in me and made me the teacher I am today. His legacy will live on with all of his students.
Allison Gutierrez (Dreiling)
September 19, 2013
It was Dr. Phipps's humor that got me to pay attention in a night class. Then it was his challenge to me to not just be good, but to go farther. Even when I moved back to Texas, it was Dr. Phipps's love, support, and countless job recommendations that saw me through two rocky years into what is now a flourishing career. Thank you for never giving up on me and showing me what it is to not only be a teacher, but to be a mentor and a friend. All of us love you and miss you more than words could ever say.
Lauren (Lola) Williams
September 19, 2013
I had the opportunity to meet Professor Phipps through Rockhurst University. I loved his class and learned much from him as an educator. He will be missed by many. I pray for peace for his family, friends, and fellow students, whom he embraced over the years.
Megan Wigington
September 19, 2013
Clare Bell
September 19, 2013
I am so sadden by the loss of such an inspirational man and teacher. I had Mr. Phipps as a teacher in high school. After 20 plus years after graduating I still remember him, his class and the impact he had on me. Prayers to all of those who were so close to him, I am truly sorry.
Cheryl Diehl...Eberting
September 19, 2013
Dear Carlos and Stuart's family,
I don't have the words at a time like this, but I do know that the Lord our God just welcomed an angel into his Kingdom. Stuart's love of learning will live forever in the lives he touched, because learning and the freedom it gives is powerful...especially when the right messanger delivers it.
The Lord's Peace and Blessings be with you all.
Carol Oyerly
September 19, 2013
I had him for study hall one semester my freshman year at BVHS - I think that was '93, and he left the impression on me that he was a great teacher and that I would have enjoyed his class.
Kurt Whittington
September 19, 2013
Stuart was an incredible teacher. He heloped me learn a new curriculum and inspired me to take risks and try new things in my classroom. He will be missed greatly.
Minnie Beechner
September 19, 2013
Last night I told my husband that I wished I could email Stuart and tell him how much I loved having him as a friend. It was comforting to have him in an office just down the hall. We made frequent visits back and forth to laugh and share thoughts about everything and then nothing at all. Carlos and family, Stuart was loved by so many people.I know how much he was loved by you, and how much he loved you back. I send you warm and healing thoughts. May your friends embrace you and surround you with heartfelt, beautiful and funny stories about your beloved Stuart. There are so many to tell.
Cheryl Grossman
September 19, 2013
A second father to me, Stuart will always be in my heart. His memory will forever live on in my relationships with my students. Upon learning of my grief, a former student's mother wrote, "Most people don't have tribes of people to carry on their passion, He was lucky to have influenced so many people that will influence so many others. Truly a gift."
Connie Martin
September 19, 2013
Stuart's light will never fade. He was just a wonderful human being and friend. His humor made some challenging times so much easier to endure. His laughter was contagious and so welcomed. I am broken-hearted for all his family and friends, especially Carlos. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Gail Metcalf Schartel
September 19, 2013
I am so grateful for having known Stuart. He was such a wonderful caring man! I will always remember the laughter that we shared and would like to extend my sympathy to Carlos and their dogs. Rest in Peace my friend. I Love you.
Connie Fischer
September 19, 2013
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the family of Dr. Phipps. He was an excellent educator, and more importantly--a truly amazing man. He had a way of challenging students, inspiring a fire for learning, and kicking-but all at the same time. I can honestly say he was the best teacher I ever had the privilege of knowing. He did everything with grace and humor. He treated all students as intelligent co-conspirators in life's journey of learning, and made us all feel special. I will remember his lighting wit forever, and feel honored to have known him. Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time.
Phyllis Kolbinger(McDaniel)
September 19, 2013
Dear Carlos and family...I am so sorry about the passing of Stuart. I know he was loved and respected by many. I am very sorry.
Katherine Torbett
September 19, 2013
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