John Neil Stuart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Neil Stuart II, affectionately known as Big John and Big Smoke, who left this world on February 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
John was born on July 22, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, the son of John Neil Stuart and Dorothy Marie (Murray) Stuart.
John graduated from Glasgow High School in 1968, then attended the University of Kentucky, where he made his mark with impressive achievements in shotput and discus. John was also a record-holding weightlifter. His records, as well as the many state and national championships he secured, are a testament to his dedication and talent. His younger brother, Jesse, soon followed him to the University of Kentucky, creating a legacy of brotherly competition and admiration that Big John cherished deeply. Big John transferred to Western Kentucky University in 1971, continuing to break records and inspire others with his unwavering spirit. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Recreation, taking humble pride in his accomplishments and the bond he shared with Jesse.
Big John married the love of his life, Karen Baker, on February 20, 1999. Their love story began at a San Angelo State Park picnic and has been a true embodiment of unwavering love, service to one another, and commitment. Though he did not have children of his own, Big John embraced Karen's children and grandchildren as if they were his own.
An ordained minister since 1974, John was a man of profound faith. His heartfelt prayers and grace at family gatherings showed his deep, beautiful relationship with the Lord.
John's career in the state parks of Texas led his family to years of travel, reunions, and the best vacations. Some of John's most treasured memories were made at Matagorda Bay and Lost Maples. Following his retirement, he and Karen moved to Grape Creek to be closer to family. John spent his retirement caring for his beloved dogs, Jack and Chloe, and building new memories with Karen and their family.
Remaining to cherish Big John's memory are his beloved wife, Karen; loving stepchildren, Angela Helms and husband Mike, Richard Brooks and wife Christina; grandchildren, Whitney Weidner and husband Cody, Hunter Howell, Julia Middleton, and Natalee Brooks; great-grandchildren, Sterlyn, Makynzi, Blakelee, and Charlee Weidner; siblings, Howard Stuart and wife Shannon of Alabama, Regina Hart of Connecticut, Evelyn Stuart Squire and husband Joseph of Alaska, Debra James and husband Charles of Kentucky; special nephew, John N. Stuart III and wife Tracy, children Jarrett, Alexis, and John N. Stuart IV of Texas; nieces and nephews, Dorothy Stuart of Missouri, William Knapp of Kentucky, Theo Knapp of Kentucky, Patrick Stuart and wife Kaylin of North Carolina, Devon Stuart of Florida, Edmund Hart of Alabama, Dorothy Hart of Connecticut, Tammy Hart of Connecticut, Mattie Squire and spouse Kevin Tarlow of Alaska, Joseph Squire and spouse Donghui Wu of Oregon, Charles Squire of Oregon, Sarah Boone-Witham of Utah, Evelyn Witham of Kentucky; great nieces and nephews, Robert, Blane, Cameron, and Rachael Hart of Connecticut, Leah Corrigan and husband Corbin of Connecticut, and Sy Tarlow-Squire of Alaska; and great, great nieces and nephews, Dublin Corrigan of Connecticut, and those listed previously, Jarret and Alexis Stuart of Texas, and John N Stuart IV of Texas.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Stuart of Kentucky; brothers, Jesse Stuart and Brill Stuart; sister Elaine Stuart McDonald; and brother-in-law Myles Hart.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 11 AM, at Shaffer Funeral Home in Grape Creek, Texas. His memorial will be live streamed as well, starting at 10:45 AM on Saturday. Watch the live stream at https://evt.live/big-smoke-memorial-service.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to John's doctors, Dr. Justin Jones and Dr. Bharat Meenavalli, for their compassionate care during their time as John's providers. We cannot thank you enough for the kindness, patience, and comfort you have provided to both John and our family.