Robert Henry Stuart

Robert Henry Stuart
BEDFORD, VA -- Mr. Stuart, 68, of Bedford, died Sunday, August 2, 2009, in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born August 2, 1941, in Ayre, MA, he was a son of the late Robert Emerson Stuart and Helen Louise Stuart VanLeer. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Monroe, NC, 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, NH, Dale P. Stuart and his wife, Sharon of Mechanicsville, VA, and Kenneth C. Stuart and his wife, Jessica of Mint Hill, NC; one daughter, Julie B. Belman of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren, Dakota J. Stuart of 29 Palms, CA, Kayla Young of NH, Luke C. Stuart of Mechanicsville, VA, and Sonya H. Stuart-Perez of Mint Hill, NC; one great-granddaughter, Emily Young of NH; three brothers, Wallace S. Stuart and his wife, Marlene, of Plymouth, NH, Gilbert A. Stuart and his wife, Lorene of Moreno Valley, CA, and Everett C.A. Stuart and his wife, Kristine of North Kingstown, RI; Uncle James A. Stuart and Aunt Lorraine of Stratham, NH; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Bedford, P.O. Box 985, Bedford, VA 24523; Bedford Presbyterian Church, 105 W. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523; or Grace United Methodist Church, 3522 Secrest Shortcut Road, Monroe, NC 28110.
A celebration of Robert's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2009, at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Englebreth officiating. 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.