Lebanon
1928-2010
Robert (Bob) Stewart, 82, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon.
Mr. Stewart was born June 16, 1928, the son of Walter and Mabel (Kirkpatrick) Stewart. He married Phyllis (Jackson) Stewart, who survives, on Jan. 21, 1955.
He was raised and educated in Lebanon, where he lived and worked for his entire life.
As a young boy, Mr. Stewart worked after school in his family’s painting business, cleaning and painting wooden screens and storm windows. In 1950, he entered the U.S. Army and served his country until 1953. He was stationed in Georgia and Germany during that time.
In 1953, he returned to Lebanon and joined the Stewart Painting business as a third-generation painter. He worked in the family business until his retirement in 1999. He was known for insisting on high quality work and for being a perfectionist. In daily life, all knew him as a kind and gentle soul.
Mr. Stewart spent the winters in Florida after retirement, where he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, boating and the company of good friends. He also loved traveling, camping and gardening. For many years, he was an Indy Car and NASCAR fan.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sisters Evelyn Johnson, Lebanon, and Joanna Richardson, Danville; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews: Linda (Dave) Giger, Cathy Curtis, Todd (Jodi) Stewart, Debbie (Lyn) Larison, David Richardson (Linda Catellier), Laura Vickery, Susan Giger, Matthew Larison, Adam (Shannon) Larison, Brittany Luera, Brianna Morris, Brandi Stelle and Katelyn Curtis.
Mr. Stewart was preceeded in death by brother Charles Stewart.
Lovingly known as Bobby, he will be deeply missed by his extended family: Wilma Cowell, Phyllis Fern Jackson, Mary Jane Jackson, Gary Meenach, Ron (Laura) Jackson, Don (Jeannie) Jackson, Dan Jackson, Dean (MaryAnn) Jackson, Karen (Chris) Meneely, Jan (Brad) Thompson, Susie Jackson (Mike Schlemmer), Stan (Carol) Jackson, Hollie Jackson, Sloan Jackson, Jackson Schlemmer, Lincoln Schlemmer, Rose Jackson, Jill Parr, Sarah Jackson, Kerri Hurliman, Matt Jackson, Bart Jackson, Jerad Thompson, Leigha Thompson, Selene Combs, Cassidy Jackson, Jason Jackson, Kirby Jackson and Molly Jackson.
Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home, 223 N. Meridian St., Lebanon.
Services will follow at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the funeral home. Pastor Harry Pitts will officiate.
The family requests, instead of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to The Caring Cetner, 1230 Ransdell Court, Lebanon IN 45052, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
