CHARLESTON, IL – Robert Harold Stewart, age 86 of Charleston, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Salisbury Church located at 2190 County Highway 5 southeast of Charleston. The funeral service, honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Stewart officiating. Burial with military honors to be conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post #93 combined honor guard will follow in Salisbury Cemetery. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Charleston American Legion or Salisbury Church and may be left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Bob was born June 15, 1934 in Seven Hickory Township, Coles County, Illinois, a son of Harold William and Stella Alberta “Bertie” (Sims) Stewart. He married Carol Ann Sanderson on July 14, 1957 in Charleston. He is survived by Carol, his loving and devoted wife of 63 years; five sons all of Charleston, Bryan Stewart and wife Kim, Dan Stewart and wife Julie, Greg Stewart and wife Kelly, Curt Stewart, and Trevor Stewart and wife Bethany; 20 grandchildren; and 24 soon to be 25 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by all his siblings, Wanda Davis of Des Moines, Iowa; Barbara Canull and husband Dale of Versailles, Indiana, Donald Stewart and wife Sharol of Greenup, Illinois, Karen Wildman and husband Dennis of Lerna, Illinois and Patty Helm of Sullivan, Illinois. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by a brother-in-law, Gene Davis.
Bob was a 1954 graduate of Charleston High School and a proud United States Army Veteran who loved his country. Bob retired from General Electric in Mattoon after 25 years of service and then accepted a position in 2003 with the Charleston Park District as manager of Charleston’s Morton Park. Bob truly enjoyed the 15 years he was park manager and retired for a second time in 2018.
Bob was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and member of the Charleston American Legion Post #93, serving as a member of the Honor Guard. Bob’s love for God was the foundation for his life and a testament of his deep and abiding faith. He was previously a member of the Bible Center Church (now Charleston Bible Church) and currently a member of the Salisbury Church family.
Bob took after his father when it came to his interest in automobiles or anything with a motor, autobody work, and just tinkering in his shop. It seemed he always had the latest “gadget” and there was always an ongoing project of some sort! It was nice to be in Bob’s company as he enjoyed good humor and was kind and pleasant – even when the topic of conversation was politics, which he loved to discuss. Bob’s family provided him with a great deal of joy and his utmost love for them was evident as he was so very proud of them all.
Bob will be fondly remembered by everyone for his undying love for God, country, and family!
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