Name: Calling hours for John Stewart
Start: 2017-03-08T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-03-09T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Jerry Spears Funeral Home - Columbus

Stewart John Stewart. "Got a date with an angel, Gotta meet her at seven. Got a date with an angel,And I'm on my way to heaven." John Stewart, 84, a sports reporter/copy editor with the Columbus Citizen-Journal and Dispatch for 32 of a 44-year career in journalism, finished the final chapter in his life on March 2, 2017. He was born on February 28, 1933, in Hinton, WV, the youngest son of Charles Manley and Daisy Nelson Stewart, who died in 1944 and 1977. He was preceded in death by the devoted love of his life Karen (March 24, 2009) who provided a breath of fresh air for 27 years of wedded bliss. After he retired from the newspaper business, John wrote freelance articles for harness racing publications and was the maintence/supervisor of a swimming pool for 10 years. In addition, to his long running journalism career, he won several writing awards. Also preceding him in death were sons Dirk and Ted Welch, grandson Travis Welch, four brothers Charles Jr., Robert, James, William Oliver, five sisters Daisy Whanger, Helena Williams, Margaret Pollock, Jane McCulty and infant Nan, and sister-in-law Shirley Ciszek, Bay City, MI. Survived by daughter, Debra (Craig) Sothard of Columbus; daughter-in-law, Judy Welch of Hilliard; brother-in-law, Terry Donaldson, Upper Marlboro, MD; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Stewart, Lepsic, OH; grandchildren, Dirk Schillinger, Andrea Scott, Christopher Burk, Chad (Jessica) Sothard, Cindi (Steven) Edwards, Craig "Boomer" (Kelly) Sothard, Timothy, Stephanie, and Wyatt Welch; great-grandchildren, Tylar Fultz, Hannah and Mark Scott, Layla Jayne and Steven Russell "Trip" Edwards, Emmah Leeann Sothard; twins, Ryleigh Renee and Braxton Scott Sothard, Bennett Austin Welch, Adele Marie Harris; great-great grandson, Ryder Lee Fultz; special friends, David Hess, Shirley McCarter; also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Previously worked at Hinton (WV) Daily News; Beckley (WV) Post-Herald and Raleigh Register; Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch while attending Marshall University (1960); Wichita Falls (Texas) Times; and Detroit News. Air Force Veteran. Member Concordia Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge #11, VFW 4044, Elks Lodge #821, Grove City YMCA and Columbus Men's Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Friends may call at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME with crematory, 2693 W. Broad St., on March 8 from 4-7 p.m. with a service to follow. Family asks that contributions be made to the Central Ohio Heart Assoc. -30-

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 3 to Mar. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stewart

13 Entries

James Kirby

March 17, 2017

I just heard you had passed.I had a feeling the last time I saw you it might be the last time.Growing up at the pool you were a big part of that time for me.A time I wish that never ended. You were one of best I have ever met.And you were one of the few people that made impact on my life.And who I am now as a person. I hope you are at peace and reunited with Karen. God bless you John and thank you.

Cindy Buckland

March 10, 2017

Thoughts and prayers are with you. Just found out about this today. I will let Mary Lou know this weekend when I visit her. This is her niece.

Mike Kelley

March 9, 2017

Debbie, Craig, and family... Deepest sympathies on the loss of a kind, funny, and caring man. I don't remember very many times that there was not a smile on his face or someone he wasn't making laugh. He kept a smile on my Dad's face during his early fight with cancer, something I could never thank him enough for. There's solace in knowing that he and Karen are together again, I know he was never the same after she left. Chris and my thoughts are with you, we miss everyone at home.

John McGrath

March 9, 2017

Craig, Debbie and Family
So sorry for your loss,
We will all miss him dearly
are prayers are with you all,
may God bless him and your family.

John McGrath and Family

March 6, 2017

Debbie, Craig & Family,

So sorry for your loss, we will all miss John.

Love to you all,

Dan & Linda

Dalous Byrd

March 6, 2017

So sorry to hear of John's passing. Will have you in our prayers and wishing you comfort in the midst of pain. John will be in our hearts and memories.
Dalous and Patty Byrd

March 5, 2017

So sorry to hear of Great Uncle John's passing. Mom (Christine), Dad, Angie, Jenny, and John were so fortunate to have spent time with him in Columbus. Love, peace, and prayers to everyone that knew him.
Cheri Waugh
Carolina Shores NC

Duane St Clair

March 5, 2017

One the more pleasant and friendly staff members with whom I had the pleasure working--apart yet together-- at The Dispatch.

Paul Rolfes

March 4, 2017

John was a great guy to work with at The Dispatch. And loved harness racing. He will be missed.

Linda Williams

March 4, 2017

A true friend with so much heart. You were always waiting for me at the Y with a smile. I will miss you but am so happy you are with your beloved Karen.

Jim & Trish Moore

March 3, 2017

You will be missed John. My walking "buddy " from the Grove City YMCA - on Orders Rd.

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