Robert Henry Stuart

Robert Henry Stuart, 68, of Bedford, died Sunday, August 2, 2009, in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born August 2, 1941 in Ayre, Mass., a son of the late Robert Emerson Stuart and Helen Louise Stuart VanLeer. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Monroe, N.C. and a retired mechanic with US Air. Bob was a wonderful and loving husband, always willing to help whomever needed assistance. He was raised on a family farm in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and graduated from both Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts and East Coast Aerotech. His passion for airplanes led him away from his family farm to a 40 year career in aircraft maintenance. He loved working on airplanes, which led him to various airlines such as Air New England and Piedmont Airlines. He retired from US Air, but his love for airplanes brought him to work part-time at Falwell Aviation. After retirement, Bob often took his cherished wife Linda on trips to Sedona, Arizona, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His hobbies included woodworking, hiking, computers, and home construction. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thanks to Dr. Dan Temeles, Debbie and the staff on the tenth floor at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Morrow Stuart; three sons, Alan B. Stuart and his partner, Cathy, of Allenstown, N.H., Dale P. Stuart and his wife, Sharon, of Mechanicsville, Va. and Kenneth C. Stuart and his wife, Jessica, of Mint Hill, N.C.; one daughter, Julie B. Belman, of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, Dakota J. Stuart, of 29 Palms, Calif., Kayla Young of New Hampshire, Luke C. Stuart, of Mechanicsville, Va. and Sonya H. Stuart-Perez, of Mint Hill, N.C.; one great-granddaughter, Emily Young of New Hampshire; three brothers, Wallace S. Stuart and his wife, Marlene, of Plymouth, N.H., Gilbert A. Stuart and his wife, Lorene, of Moreno Valley, Calif. and Everett C.A. Stuart and his wife, Kristine, of North Kingstown, R.I.; Uncle James A. Stuart and Aunt Lorraine. of Stratham, N.H.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Bedford, PO Box 985, Bedford, Va. 24523, Bedford Presbyterian Church, 105 W. Main Street, Bedford, Va. 24523 and Grace United Methodist Church, 3522 Secrest Shortcut Road, Monroe, N.C. 28110. A celebration of Robert's life will be conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John T. Salley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443. To ensure better health, the family suggests routine checkups and especially colonoscopies to everyone of all ages.