Charles “Keith” Stalnaker
Charles “Keith” Stalnaker, 73, passed away Oct. 4, 2025, at his home.
He was born Oct. 30, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles Dee and Sarah Emily (Dean) Stalnaker.
Keith was a lifelong learner. He graduated from Pleasant View High School in 1969; earned a degree in welding engineering from Ohio State University in 1973; a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1982; and a Ph.D. in occupational safety from the University of Tennessee in 1998.
Keith began his career at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio, where he served as supervisor of environment, safety and health before transferring to Y-12 in Oak Ridge in 1992 to join the Conduct of Operation Compliance Group. After retiring in 2005, he joined the Paragon Company in Hilliard, Ohio, as project manager of the DOL SEM Project.
He also served on the advisory board and as an instructor at Columbia Southern University, and had several articles published in Professional Safety magazine.
Keith loved God, whom he served faithfully; his family, whom he worked hard to provide for; and football—especially The Ohio State Buckeyes. He never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back.
A member of Covenant Life Church, Keith is now rejoicing in the promise of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beth; son Eric and his wife, Kristen; grandchildren Hunter and Adeline Stalnaker, whom he adored; son Joel and his wife, Rebecca; brother Mike (Glenna) Stalnaker; and nieces Megan and Karianne Stalnaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Ron and Vera Streitenberger.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed in the chapel with Pastor Tony McAfee officiating. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at Grandview Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Andy Williams officiating.
The family extends special thanks to Clinch River Home Health Care and UT Hospice for their excellent care and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission of Hope College Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 51824, Knoxville, TN 37950, or by calling 865-584-7571.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com