John Hamilton Stalnaker, born on December 23rd, 1941, in Ada, Oklahoma, passed away January 15th, 2024, in his longtime home of Shreveport, Louisiana. Throughout his 82 years of life, he was an adored partner, father, brother, grandfather and friend.
Beginning in John's early years, he always had a passion for cars. Growing into an avid car collector, he spent his early career owning and operating a number of auto parts stores in the Shreveport area. Beyond just collecting cars, he also enjoyed mechanic work, specializing in Corvettes and other older cars. John spent the later portion of his career as an auto insurance adjuster. This role kept him on the road nearly five days a week and averaging over 100,000 driving miles every year for many years. This was the perfect job for him given his other passion was traveling. He had a specific interest in taking back roads and highways through small or forgotten towns. Working into his mid 70s, John had relationships with nearly every car dealership and mechanic across the state of Louisiana. Upon retirement he enjoyed calmer hobbies such as gardening, listening to live music, and studying history. If asked to describe his version of a perfect day, it would likely involve a good nap in his favorite chair surrounded by his many kitty cats.
John is survived by his partner Lorraine Linder of Shreveport, LA; brother, Jack Stalnaker of Houston, TX; oldest son, Jay Stalnaker of Dallas, TX; son, John David Stalnaker and wife, Bettye of Haughton, LA; youngest son, Charles Stalnaker and partner, Elinor White of Shreveport, LA; son-in-law, Cestmir Antala of Shreveport, LA; Grandchildren, Natalie and Olivia Antala of Shreveport, LA; Sarah Stahel and husband, Andy Stahel of Houston, TX; Jason Rinaudo and wife, Christina Rinaudo of Bossier City, LA; Christina Gensch and husband, Will Gensch of Warrensburg, MO; plus three great grandchildren, countless friends and his beloved kitty cats.
John is preceded in death by his mother Juanita Tolar, father Fred Lewis Stalnaker, step-father Jimmy Tolar, and his daughter Susan Stalnaker Antala.
