L. Stephen Shrader

L. Stephen Shrader VIRGINIA BEACH - Lon Stephen Shrader died Dec. 8, 2009, at his home of 23 years in the Thoroughgood neighborhood of Virginia Beach. Born March 28, 1948 in South Charleston, W.Va., he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol Mills Shrader; son, Neal Paul Shrader of New York City; daughter, Michele Lee Shrader of Carthage, Texas; mother, Pauline Neal Shrader of St. Albans, W.Va.; two sisters, Carolyn Simpson of St. Albans, W.Va., and Sharon Swigger of Conroe, Texas; a very special uncle, Donald L. Edwards of Virginia Beach; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lon McCue Shrader. At an early age, Steve developed a love for broadcast engineering and amateur radio. As a teenager, he volunteered to do odd jobs at a local radio station if he would be allowed to work with the chief engineer. His special talent in electronics quickly propelled him up the industry ranks, and he eventually became director of Broadcast Operations for Rollins Communications in Atlanta, where his future wife Carol also worked. The family later moved to Hampton Roads as a part of the media group, headed by dear friend Paul Downs, which transformed a small country and western radio station into 106.9 "The Fox." When the station was sold in the early 90s, Steve became a partner with friends Chuck and Bob Rippel in the regional electronics repair firm Audio Video Service Labs. His amateur radio interest led to a special partnership and the firm also began doing business as Kenwood Service Center East. Steve then became known across the country as "the" expert in the repair and operation of that firm's amateur radio transceivers. The business has been blessed with many long term loyal employees who also survive and mourn Steve's loss. Steve loved computers, music, taking his wife out to dinner, and restoring his boat "Steve's Beach." He was a member of the Norfolk Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a living memorial in the form of book donations to the DAR Library in Washington, D.C. To facilitate your donation, checks may be made payable to the Lynnhaven Parish Chapter NSDAR, 5268 Albright Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater assisted the family.