Born Stuart Lee Shafer on 2/23/54 to Norma Lea Curry and Lloyd Theodore Shafer in Hays, KS, Stu left this world peacefully from Lawrence on 11/23/25 after living resiliently with brain
cancer for over 4 years. Stu grew up in Great Bend, Kansas City, Houston, and St Louis, and graduated from Western Michigan University, KU, and UC San Diego with degrees in English, Environmental Studies, and Sociology. WMU’s School of Homesteading program inspired his life’s work. He was professor of sociology and sustainable agriculture at Johnson County Community College, developing the successful campus Open Petal Farm. He was an organic grower for Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance.
Stu wanted to change his world, and he did. He was active in social justice, anti-war, and antiimperialist movements, was a forty year Merc co-op member, and spent many years in the
leadership of the Kansas Rural Center. Stu married Patti Dickinson in 1978 after sitting behind her on an Amtrak train and making her laugh with a silly comment. In the 80’s they moved 10 times and had 2 wonderful children who were raised on their rural Oskaloosa farm, where Stu grew vegetables and fruit for Rolling Prairie.
Survivors include wife Patti of Lawrence, daughter Miriam (Lee) Numata and wife Ako of Joplin; son Michael Heron Lee of Oskaloosa and his daughter October, the light of Stu’s life; sister
Melinda Huston and husband John of Lawrence; brother Kevin Shafer and wife Dori of Pleasant Hill, CA; sister Karen Johnson and husband Don of Iowa City; many nieces and
nephews; and many dear friends and colleagues with whom he loved to study and ponder and dream of a better world.
The family thanks Drs. Soule and Klish and the nurses of LMH Oncology for helping Stu live much longer than expected, and VNA Hospice for their care when Stu was ready to move on.
Stu supported many charities and dear to his heart was the Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship at Johnson County Community College, to help grow more independent farmers.
Please tell us your memories on Stu’s page at Rumsey-yost.com.
My heart goes out to Stu’s family and friends. Though we lost touch, working on Sand Heron farm with Stu back in 2012 changed my life. He was so kind, passionate, knowledgeable, and taught me so much about growing on and with the land. I feel so fortunate to have known him.
No one can believe Stu is gone-life is truly not fair. He was always so vibrant and ate so well-you could not have led a better life. Patti, Mimi and Michael-I know you are missing Stu so much! And maybe the grief will never subside. But know how much Stu was loved and how much he loved you all. His compassion and kindness will live on forever. Much love-Kathleen and Bob
Stu was a longtime colleague of mine in the Sociology Department at JCCC. He was genuinely authentic; dedicated in his teaching, passionate about organic farming, and thoughtful in his defense of critical social issues. Stu leaves an admirable legacy, and it was an honor to have him as a colleague.
I’m not sure what to say when someone as vigorous and full of life as Stu is gone. We talked often about his health woes so while this might have been expected, of course you never really are. I’m glad I saw him one last time at the harvest dinner a few weeks ago. Stu was not just a friend and colleague, he was an outspoken ally, always doing his best to be on the side of right.
My heart goes out to the family. Stu was an influence on how I viewed the land, food, relationships, and so many other connections through our time together at KRC, in Rolling Prairie, and on the ground at several nearby farms. He was a wonderful and generous teacher who will be sorely missed.
This is a great loss for the agricultural community and the community at large. I never had the pleasure of taking Stu’s class specifically, but he was always there lending support and sharing his wisdom. Paraphrasing an African proverb, we just lost another library.
What a great guy and wonderful family. Michael and Mimi were regular visitors to the credit union when they were young and gave me the opportunity to meet and appreciate what great parents they had as well. I am very sorry for your loss.
I graduated from KU in 1984, and gradually moved to other States for work. A few years ago I decided to just visit KU for the old times sake. The only person still there that I knew was Stu. He graciously showed me around Lawrence with his Prius, and even treated me to breakfast in the downtown area. We reminisced about the past, and I had a great experience. I didn’t keep in touch as much as I should have, but Stu was also lucky to have had a great family and a great career. Rest in peace brother. All the best to his family. We all miss you brother.
I hadn’t thought about Stu in a long time. As shock and sorry set in, memories came rolling back of what a great activist he was at KU in the 80s — specifically with the KU Committee on South (divestment campaign) and the alternative journal he helped found, ‘Praxis’. I remember him being full of ideas, good ones, and following through on them. He was passionate in his beliefs and though he was as left wing as me, his outgoing, sociable nature served him well in dealing with all kinds of people.
I don’t think I saw him again after I moved to Missouri in 1993. I called him once in the 90’s to get his take on a community college issue since we both taught at ccs.
My deepest condolences to Stu’s family. Stu was such a kind and thoughtful person. I had the pleasure of working with Stu in the Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance and have long admired his leadership in sustainable agriculture across the state of Kansas. He made the world a better place and he will be missed.
My condolences go out to Stu’s family. Stu practiced what he preached, but he wasn’t preachy. His devotion to sustainable agriculture was incredible.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite professors at JCCC and his passion for social and environmental justice inspired me greatly. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of us all!
My dear cousin, Stu.
We did not stay in touch throughout our later years. I have fond memories of our childhood. We all, Kevin, Mindy, Karen you and my sisters spent a lot of times together at Grandma Curry’s. I especially loved the holidays and summers there. One memory (not so pleasant) we were toddlers, you were chasing me with a rubber knife. I fell and hit my lip on the bottom of a rocking chair, got stitches and I still have a scar on the inside of my mouth. Our teen years we dragged Main Street in Great Bend.
I know you are now with our Lord and Saviour dancing with all of the relatives that passed. What a glorious thought!
To all the family…my thoughts and prayers are with you and have been. Our hearts will ache, but be assured he will be watching over all of us!
Love,
Joni
Until we are together again🙏
Patti, Mimi and Michael, Dave and I are sorry to hear of your loss, Stu’s death. Following Mimi’s lead, I’m grateful to have seen him in action, gardening, providing for the csa, parenting, having a beer after work, advocating for paid health insurance for graduate teaching assistants, and against over fertilizing your soil. He did these things with grace and style that we could all learn from.
Stu was a lovely person, charismatic and charming and fun. His devotion to social issues was a spark of inspiration for me. We had some laughs together as two of the very few weirdos who actually voluntarily took Latin in high school. I will never forget him.
Stu was a union man and a former President of the JCCC Faculty Association. He recruited me to join back in the mid 90’s. Years later, when I became President, I recruited Stu to serve on two contract negotiation teams. We served on numerous committees together while at the college. Stu had a strong sense of justice. He was highly principled, and he was a great team member. Stu loved the Royals, Chiefs and Jayhawks. We would often talk about sports at Barley’s Friday Happy Hour. I recommended him to students who wanted to take Sociology classes. He is someone I respected and was fun to be around. I will remember him for he influenced my life. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about Stu. He was an inspiring man. I met him at JCCC when I did a research paper on sustainable agriculture and we talked for a long time about the state of agriculture, sustainability and how to make the future better. Because of that conversation I was inspired to join the Sustainable Agriculture program at JCCC and it was the first time I felt passionate about what I was learning. I was fresh out of high school at the time and taking that course was one of the best things I did. I think the only class I took from him directly was the sociology of agriculture. I still remember things I learned in that class and still have the books from it. Condolences to the whole family – Stu had an impact on many lives and he will be missed
Stu was an amazing man who I was beyond lucky to have as a teacher. It always made my day when I got to talk with him. Thank you for everything you did, and to his family im deeply sorry for your loss.
What a cheerful, talented man! I can hear his laugh now. He helped bring Rolling Prairie into the digital age—You can do that on your phone?! A good man, welcoming friend, committed idealist. We will miss you, Stu.
Patti, Michael & Mimi – We remember Stu as an incredible man and a great neighbor. He bought eggs from us and eventually took some of our ladies and a chicken tractor. We cherish the times he would sit on our porch (usually after helping with a project) and enjoyed a beer; he was always great company with interesting conversation. He helped grow plants for our Buck Creek Beautification project. We loved the times he came for storytelling and still think of him as the pony tailed bandit. He got the MVP award for the game you play by using different accents while delivering a funny line. He loved the land & loved his family. He will be missed by many.
I was always happy to see Stu. He was smart, always kind and committed to making every space on this planet better for humanity. I’ll never forget the deepest laugh I’ve had because of Stu. We parked next to each other at work at JCCC. his truck was completely covered in mud. I askedhim where the heck he was coming from, why was hus truck coveredin mud and how could he see to drive? With a deep hearty laugh Stu said from home mud’s been there a while and he had peep holes to see out. Rest in sweet heavenly peace dear friend 🧡
My heart goes out to Patti, Miriam, and Michael, and to all of us in this loss.
I am so grateful to have known Stu. Such a kind and gentle man.
In our youth, Ed and I talked a lot about “theory and practice” — putting into action the world we wanted to see. Stu was one of the people we most respected for doing just that – living a humble life with values and actions consistent. l worked closely with Stu in our years at the Kansas Rural Center, he on the board and me on staff. But always felt a deep kinship . We’ve lost a good man, but we’re all better off having had him in our lives. Rest in peace old friend.
Stu along with Patti were very instrumental in making my experience at the Land Trust Homesteading farm back in 1978, a life changing experience. One of the first jobs that Stu provided me with was to sort through the piles of trash found on the newly acquired farm. It was an appropriate job for a young guy who had difficulty sorting through the cultural trash I was afflicted with for my first 20 years of so of life. Stu was a great role model and teacher for me as I struggled to find my path in this life. Much thanks, love and light for Stu, Patti and family.
Stu was a great guy — I enjoyed many hours with him talking everything from sustainable agriculture to indigenous wisdom to political economics to baseball. Deepest condolences to all affected. He will be missed by many.
Oh Stu, what a sweet and gentle man. He was/is an inspiration. I’ll miss talking with him about how to help farmers and how to save the planet. He left a beautiful mark on the canvas of time. Our thoughts are with his family and many, many friends
Such a pleasant human being ….. good Stu was on the planet.
My sincere condolences. We had the pleasure of welcoming Stu as a guest at Green Academy in Aarhus, Denmark. In 2012, two colleagues and I visited Stu in Kansas, where he received us with great hospitality and was our dedicated host for four days. During our stay, he introduced us to sustainable agricultural practices and arranged a visit to KCCC.
We remember Stu as a kind, warm, and humorous man, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have known him.
With deepest sympathy,
Stu was a true radical and revolutionary. He was an enemy of
capitalism and its exploitation of people and its destruction of
mother earth. Stu was a role model and hero.
Patti, Michael, and Mimi,
We are so sorry to hear of Stu’s passing. We are happy to know that you got more time with him than originally expected. We cherish the fond memories of life out on Buck Creek Road!
Carine, Steve, Schuyler (Emma), and Stefan (Maddie)
I met Stu years back when I would pick up Rolling Prairie produce, I remember him trying to convince me of the wonders of pea greens! Such a kind man and such a loss to the community. My condolences to his family.
Very sorry to hear this sad news. I met Stu around twenty years ago working with the Kansas Rural Center. He welcomed me and provided great leadership for the sustainable agriculture community. I’m sure you have wonderful memories.
It was an honor to get to know Stu when he was a leader of the local NEA chapter at JCCC. He brought a commitment to the well-being of both students and faculty to a mission of great educational opportunities. Quite an impressive, dedicated, and humble leader!
Went to Lindbergh High School with Stu. A straight shooting, caring and reliable person. One of the “good people” the world needs more of. Enjoyed seeing he kept the flame lite his whole life. Physical forms may pass but the spirit lives on in each of us forever God bless and peace be with you.
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Stu was a great influence in the Rolling Prairie group, and always enjoyed our very diverse conversations about world events. Be well, brother, until we meet again.
We were all rural home schoolers, our kids knew each other, it was good times. Stu was a good, intense, principled, loving man.
I am sorry to hear of Stu’s death. For a period we were housemates while he was in school and he was my predecessor Homestead Instructor at the Land Trust Homesteading Farm in SW Mich in the late 1970’s. We were friends at that time and he was someone I looked up to. Condolences to Patti, family and friends.
Patty, Michael and Miriam. I am so sorry for your loss.
Stu was a very principled person. A very positive person. A person who lived a consistent life. A good friend.
To Stu’s family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What an incredible person he was. I will always be grateful for the ways Stu helped me learn about agriculture in my days at Sand Heron Farm. Stu was one of the first people I got to know after moving to Lawrence and certainly helped orient me to people and places that have become a part of my life. Much love to you all.
I am so sorry to hear of Stu’s leaving this earth. He was a great soul & someone I always enjoyed getting to see. From my CSA days to seeing him at JCCC or Royals Opening Day. I loved his peaceful way. He will be missed.
It was such a pleasure to chat with Stu in the Manor dining room. His smile was infectious and conversation always enjoyable. Here at the manor we had too little time to enjoy his company. Hugs to his family.
Patti, Miriam and Michael,
We are so sorry to hear of Stu’s death. We always enjoyed our discussions and appreciated his positive attitude toward life. His smile could light up the room.
We believe a person continues to live on through the people they have touched in their life and Stu has impacted so many in such a positive way, he will long be remembered.
We share your loss.
Patti and family, our family is saddened by the news of Stu. He was an incredible man and teacher and his gardening on Buck Creek. Our deepest condolences. Genie,Jamie and family
Stu had an integrity and commitment to making the world a better, more humane place as strong as anyone I have known. I will always remember our conversations during car trips to Rural Center board meetings, Midwest Sociology meetings, and Springfield, Missouri. We have lost a profoundly good person. My heart goes out to Michael , Miriam , Patti and the rest of his family.
I am saddened to see we have lost yet another fine human being. My condolences to those closest to Stu. As a fellow sociologist, I loved conversing with Stu in the aisles of the Merc about the latest book he’d read, his trip to China, or his veggie crop. He was a kind and gentle soul who will missed by all. Rest in peace, Stu.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I knew Stu from the early days at the Merc, and always enjoyed seeing and talking with him. Such a strong, gentle soul. My heart goes out to the family as you navigate life without his physical presence. May you find peace in all the memories, and knowing that he lives on through all that he touched.
Rest in peace, Dad. I will miss you more than words can ever say. Thank you for the love, the strength, and the quiet ways you shaped my life. My heart hurts, but I’m grateful for every moment we had. I hope you’re at peace now.