Charles E. Stewart Sr.

Formerly of Middletown, N.Y.

Charles Edwin Stewart, Sr., a resident of Yadkinville, N.C. and former resident of Middletown, died April 26, 2005 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Elkin, N.C. He was 84 years old.

The son of the late Bessie and Elroy Stewart, he was born on March 26, 1921 in Middletown.

Charles owned and operated "Stewart Movers" in the Middletown area for 28 years. During World War II he served in the US Navy in the Pacific aboard the USS Bancroft DD598 and the USS Montpelier CL 57, earning 8 battle Stars, Medals and Ribbons. He was a charter member of the USS Montpelier Association, Montpelier, Vt. A 30-year plus member of the Hoffman Lodge #412 F and A.M. serving as master and member of the Board of Trustees; a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, he received a silver plaque for his years of service as "Dad" of the Order of Rainbow Girls and Grand Cross of Colors; a 26-year member of the Middletown American Legion Post 151; an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Orange County since 1963 and past member of the New Hampton Fire Department as well as past member of the Hudson Valley Movers Association. He was a member of the Longtown Methodist Church, Yadkinville, N.C. as well as a 30-year member of St. Paul's Methodist Church in Middletown, serving as President of the Board of Trustees and other offices. He and his wife, Minnie were in charge of the Youth Fellowship for several years.

He is survived by his son, Charles E. Stewart Jr. and his wife, Ethel of Yadkinville, N.C.; his daughter Barbara Jellema and her husband, Clarence of Mesa, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Danielle Stewart and Christopher Stewart and his wife, Amanda of Yadkinville, Darlene Jellema of Wisconsin, and Michelle Lamb and her husband, Ross of Tucson, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren, Breanna Elizabeth and Eyra Mae Stewart of Yadkinville, N.C.; one brother Stanley Stewart of Siler City, N.C.; one sister Lily Mae Horrevoets of Callao, Va.; as well as 2 nephews, Jerry and James Stewart of Middletown.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth "Minnie" Stewart and one daughter Amy Ann.

Family and friends are invited to call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.

A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Bill Wolf will be officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot in Ridgebury Cemetery, Ridgebury.

Memorial Donations in Charles's name may be made to either the Hoffman Lodge #412 F. & A.M., Box 333, Middletown, NY 10940 or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 58 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940.

Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.