Steve Wallace

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Richard Stephen Wallace, known to all as Steve Wallace. Born on September 21, 1946, in Webb City, Steve was a man deeply rooted in his community, his faith and his family. This loving and compassionate soul left us on March 13, 2025 at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, service, and dedication.
Steve was born on September 21, 1946 to H.V. "Wally" and Donna G. Wallace at Jane Chinn Hospital in Webb City. He was involved in baseball and football as a kid. Steve graduated from Carterville in 1964, and was a proud Carterville Comet. He then attended Joplin Junior College, achieving an Associates in Business.
Steve was a lifelong supporter of Webb City schools, and attended as many sports games as he could. Even in failing health, when he couldn't climb the bleachers, he would stay in the car and watch the games from afar.
Steve was a man of many talents and interests. He was the owner and operator of the Broadway Market for nearly 30 years. His commitment to the business was unwavering, as he poured his heart and soul into the place, never taking a day off. As many in the community would agree, lots of lunch money and allowances were spent at the Broadway Market on candy and snacks.
After his retirement in 1999, he worked as a butcher at Sam's Club in Joplin until finally retiring in 2014. Apart from his professional life, Steve was also an avid sports enthusiast. He was a basketball referee for a time, a volunteer sheriff's deputy, and a past president of the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce. Despite his many commitments, he always found time to attend his grandchildren's ball games, supporting them from the stands or afar when his health wouldn't allow him to climb the bleachers.
Steve was not only a dedicated businessman and sports enthusiast, but he was also a devoted servant of God. He was a member and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Carterville until his health precluded him from attending in-person. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his actions and beliefs. As the Bible says in Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Steve indeed had a good name, and he was esteemed by all who knew him.
Steve is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Wallace; his sons, Stephen "Steve" Wallace and Stan (Beth) Wallace; His 3 grandchildren, Medland Wallace, Benjamin and Brady Wallace, his brother, Dan (Lisa) Wallace; and his sister, Jana (Matthew) Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna Wallace and Homer Vance "H.V." Wallace.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 5-8pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. A private graveside service will be held.
Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. We invite all those who knew Steve to share their memories and photos on his memorial page at www.simpsonfh.com. Let us remember Steve Wallace, a man whose love for his community, faith, and family will continue to inspire us all.