Stephen Mark "Steve" Dewalt

Stephen M. DeWalt, 64, Independence, MO passed away Dec. 28, 2014. Services will be 3 pm, Sat., Jan. 3, 2015 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055; cremation. Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm, before the service at the chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the American Heart Assoc. 6800 93rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66212. Steve was born Sept. 10, 1950 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Van Horn High School in the Class of 1968 and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was an award-winning news photographer for over thirty years at KCTV5 and most recently worked at KMBC 9. He covered many significant stories over the years including the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and was the photographer who took the famous shot of George Brett tipping his cap as his batting average topped 400. He was a member of AFTRA and was instrumental in unionizing photographers and video tape editors at KCTV5. He was a guitar player who loved many kinds of music but especially Delta blues. Steve is survived by his wife Mary Schondelmeyer, of the home; daughters Erin DeWalt; Catherine DeWalt; brother Philip DeWalt and wife Teresa, all of Kansas City, MO; nephews Preston DeWalt, Loves Park, IL; and Ian DeWalt, Kansas City, MO.