Dorrell Dean Steward

Dorrell "Dean" Steward, of Charlotte, Michigan died on August 20, 2025. He was the son of Merlin Voight and Bertie (Bursley) Steward. Dean was born on June 3, 1940 in Charlotte and lived there most of his life. He attended Vermontville schools from 1950-1956, then Charlotte schools from 1956-1959. He was employed with Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte from 1959-1969, then went on to work for General Motors in Lansing from 1969 until he retired on April 30, 2006. While at General Motors, he went to LCC and got certified as a pipefitter. Dean started skilled trades at General Motors in 1977, which he did until he retired. Dean loved to fish and golf. He played on a golf league at Centennial Acres with his friend Doug, which they did for many years. Dean was a member of the Lions Club for twenty-three years and once was Lion of the Year. He loved talking to people while out for White Cane Season and distributing mints and was known as the "Mint Man" around town. He was bestowed with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service within their local Lions Club. Dean was an avid fan of the Tigers, Lions, and MSU sports. He met his wife, Karen, through their close friends Gary and Donna in February of 1975, and they married on October 11, 1975. Dean is survived by his wife, Karen; seven children: Melissa (Ron) Letts, Cheril Steward-Smith, Eric Steward, Steven Steward, Alex (Bradley) Steward, Journey (Dennis) Steward, Jeremy (Nick) Steward; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Roger) Farkas and Claudia Kikendall; and one hell-hound, Kiwi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Bertie Steward; one daughter, Kelly Jo Tuttle; one grandson, John Palmer; and two brothers, Merlin and Marvin Steward. Friends are encouraged to support Dean's family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration Gathering will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 3:00-6:00 PM in Pray Funeral Home Gardens. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Tigers, Lions, or MSU sports gear. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Lions Club or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.