Charles Eugene "Gene" Stewart

Charles Eugene "Gene" Stewart

Richland

Gene Stewart, age 80, of Richland, MI, formerly of Augusta, MI and most recently of North Port, FL, died Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI, after a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family.

Gene, the son of Charles W. and Evelyn R. (Arnett) Stewart, was born on June 19, 1933 in Sullivan, IN; moved to Augusta in 1938 and was a member of the first combined graduating class of Galesburg-Augusta High School in 1951.  He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army as a Private First Class.  Gene retired in 1988 as the Manager of Organization and Resource Development for Kellogg's of Battle Creek after 35 years of faithful service.  He and his wife, Sharon were the Owners and Operators of the Western Breed Store of Galesburg; he was member of the Augusta Fellowship United Methodist Church; he thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf; he was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, even when they weren't winning (!), but his passion in life was his family and friends.

On June 1, 1957 in Kalamazoo, Gene was married to the former Sharon A. Stroebel.  Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Sharon; his two daughters, Kimberly K. Taylor of Chattanooga, TN and Jody A.

(Kraig) VanKoevering of Zeeland, MI; his son, Scott S. Stewart of Atlanta, GA;  his six precious grandchildren, Blake Smith, Cole (Julia) Smith, Jordan Taylor and Ashtyn, Tyce and Reagan VanKoevering; his sister, JoEllen (Robert) Monken of Wheaton, IL and by three nephews.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Gene's life will be held on Monday, August 19th at Noon at the Augusta Fellowship United Methodist Church, 103 North Webster Street, Rev. Jennifer J. Wheeler, Pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, Military Honors. Family and friends are invited to return to the Church after the committal service to continue Gene's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon. Friends will be received on Sunday, August 18th from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Augusta Chapel, 307 North Webster Street.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene's honor may be directed to the Church or the American Lung Association, 1475 East 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Gene may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com