Robert Stewart
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Memorial services for Robert L. “Bob” Stewart, 93, Lawrence will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Lawrence. His body has been donated to the Kansas University Medical Center. Bob died February 3, 2012 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.
He was born on March 9, 1918 in Lyons, KS the oldest son of Harry L. and Esther (Hamilton) Stewart.
Bob started working at age 9 helping the Trent brothers with their paper route where he met his sweetheart for life, their sister Annis. After serving in the Marines during WWII, Bob worked at many jobs over his years, mostly insurance or real estate sales. One transferred him and his family from Hutchinson to Lawrence where he spent the rest of his life. After his retirement he found the perfect job for himself. He became a handy man for the Perry-Lecompton schools. He later became the handy man for the Pi Beta Phi house at KU until he retired for the last time due to his and Annis’s bad health.
Bob was a Jefferson County volunteer fireman for several years. He also was a volunteer treasurer for a Jefferson County rural township. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and American Legion at Perry, KS.
Bob was predeceased by his wife who died of Alzheimer’s in 2006, his parents and 2 brothers, Harry Jr. and Harold. He is survived by his son Gary (Sandy) Stewart and his daughter Jan (Walt) Houk. He is also survived by grandchildren Mark and Scott Stewart and Kent Houk and Kimberly Houk Bickling, 8 great grandchildren Matt, Eric, Sarah, Jacob Stewart and Colman and Chase Houk and Zachary and Mackenzie Bickling. He is also survived by 25 foster daughters and their families.
During their marriage of 69 years, Bob traveled with Annis and Virginia Conard to presenting “Conversational Prayer” workshops. Bob and Annis were also able to travel to Hawaii and Israel.
Bob lived his last 5 ½ years at Brandon Woods nursing home being well cared for by many but especially Susie Jach and Linda Motter.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lawrence Centenary United Methodist Church or University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary
We worked with Bob when he was with the Perry-Lecompton School District. There was no finer man. He was always upbeat, friendly, and kind. We often saw him working the KU games and other places around Lawrence. Bob left the world a better place, and he will be missed.
As a Brandon Woods volunteer for five years I knew Bob as a fine, intelligent, friendly man. His values and love of family were evident. He also had the best sense of humor and a great love of all things KU. I always appreciated his comments and support when I shared the Monday morning news.
We have been a friend of Bob Stewart’s for many, many years. My parents, Paul and Wanda Wood, worked with Bob for years at USD 343. My mom always called Bob “a gentleman’s gentleman”. He had the kindest and sweetest personality and was always touching someone with his gift of making you feel very special. Bob was a great caregiver to his wife as well.
Bob will be remembered by the many lives he touched in the Perry area. What a gift Bob Stewart was to all of us who knew and loved him. He lives on in the many memories we have of him and his kind heart.
You’re finally back with your sweetheart grandpa…forever!
I took care of both Bob and Annis at Brandon Woods. They were both such lovely individuals, and I feel that my life had truly been impacted by having met them. I remember working while Annis was reaching the end of her life on the Arbor and Bob never left her side. I am so sorry of your loss. Your family is our thoughts and prayers.
Grandpa you will be missed. We know that you are where you have wanted to be for a long time, right back by grandma’s side.
I was very sorry to learn of Mr. Robert’s passing. I was a volunteer at Brandon Woods and always looked forward to seeing Bob every Wednesday evening as we played bingo. He shared many stories with me and he was a very caring and gentle man. I was so happy that he was able to make the very deserving trip to Washington DC to visit the memorial. He missed his wife and spoke often of her and their time together. I am certain he is happily reunited with her now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
When I saw “Bob’s” wonderful smiling picture in the obituary column this morning, I realized it was my “cloud man”. After visiting my husband at the Arbor, I would sometimes stop to visit with this gentleman as he sat in his wheelchair by the outer exit. He loved to view the clouds and we discussed the different formations, etc. He always had a smile on his face and our short visits were very uplifting for me. I am so sorry that I did not return to tell him this after my husband passed away in Oct. 2009.
Thank you for letting me care for Bob, he was so precious. I am very sorry for your loss. Linda
Dear Stewart Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
We love you Grandpa and we will miss you!
I had the pleasure of taking care of your father at Brandon Woods. I loved spending time with him, and listening to him remember his wife, and their travels. He will be missed
Greatest sympathy on Bob’s passing. He was a great friend and mentor to many of us over the years. He will be greatly missed
This saddens me I was one of those foster kids in the yrs 69-70’s carol Tyler I will always remember bob and an is for their love of children not their own but treated with love.im so sorry for your loss I Know they are both in heaven.god bless all the family this is late I just now seen this.