Thomas Cleveland "Tom" Stewart

Thomas Cleveland Stewart
August 25, 1938 - December 1, 2025
Thomas Cleveland Stewart, 87, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on
December 1, 2025. Born on August 25,1938, he was the son of the late William A. Stewart and Catherine Sperry Stewart of Catlettsburg. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Billie Joyce Holland Stewart, his brother William "Art" Stewart Jr., and his sister Janice Stewart Carraway.
Tom grew up in the town he cherished so deeply, graduating from Catlettsburg High School in 1957, where he served as class treasurer. A natural leader and gifted athlete, he was co-captain of the 1956 Catlettsburg Football Team and later continued his athletic pursuits at Morehead State University. His time on the field helped shape his discipline, determination, and strong sense of teamwork.
After college, Tom went to work at Solvay before later retiring from the AK Steel Throughout his career, he was known for his exceptional work ethic dependable, steady, and committed to doing his best each day. Those who worked alongside him respected his integrity and the pride he took in every task.
Tom was a lifelong sports enthusiast, and nothing made him happier than cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats. He also lived his life guided by faith and was a proud member of Oakland Avenue Baptist Church.
Family was at the heart of everything Tom did. He is survived by his sons-Terry Stewart of Ashland, Kentucky; Ralph Perry and his wife, Drucilla, of Stuart, Florida; Mike Stewart and his wife, Sonya, of Owensboro, Kentucky; and Chris Merkle of Argillite, Kentucky. He leaves behind three grandchildren who brought him immense pride: Tiffany Perry McPartlan and her husband, Bob, of Sebastian, Florida; Robin Denise Goins of Ludington, Michigan; and Jordan Blair Merkle of Ashland, Kentucky. Tom is also survived by his brother, Bob Stewart of Catlettsburg, and by his beloved dog, Rupp, his constant companion.
Proud of his roots and loyal to his community, Tom carried a deep love for Catlettsburg throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to family, his unwavering work ethic, his faith, and the legacy he leaves in the town he always called
home.
A funeral service to honor the life of Tom will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home, located at 2702 Panola Street, beginning at 1:00pm with Pastor Mike Blankenship officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be held prior to the service from 11am to 1pm. Tom will be laid to rest following the service at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oakland Ave. Baptist Church at 3265 Oakland Ave. Catlettsburg, KY 41129.
Neal-Kilgore & Collier is honored to be serving the family of Tom Stewart.