Robert Henry Stuart

Robert Henry Stuart

Robert Henry Stuart, 68, of Bedford, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born Aug. 2, 1941, in Ayre, Mass., a son of the late Robert Emerson Stuart and Helen Louise Stuart VanLeer. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Monroe, N.C., and a retired mechanic with US Air.

Bob was a wonderful and loving husband, always willing to help whoever needed assistance. He was raised on family farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and graduated from both Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts and East Coast Aerotech. His passion for airplanes led him away from his family farm to a 40-year career in aircraft maintenance. He loved working on airplanes, which led him to various airlines, such as Air New England and Piedmont Airlines. He retired from US Air, but his love for airplanes brought him to work part-time at Falwell Aviation. After retirement, Bob often took his cherished wife, Linda, on trips to Sedona, Ariz., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. His hobbies included woodworking, hiking, computers and home construction. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our thanks to Dr. Dan Temeles, Debbie and the staff on the 10th floor at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Morrow Stuart; three sons, Alan B. Stuart and his partner, Cathy, of Allenstown, N.H., Dale P. Stuart and his wife, Sharon, of Mechanicsville and Kenneth C. Stuart and his wife, Jessica, of Mint Hill, N.C.; one daughter, Julie B. Belman of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, Dakota J. Stuart of 29 Palms, Calif., Kayla Young of N.H., Luke C. Stuart of Mechanicsville and Sonya H. Stuart-Perez of Mint Hill, N.C.; one great-granddaughter, Emily Young, of N.H.; three brothers, Wallace S. Stuart and his wife, Marlene, of Plymouth, N.H., Gilbert A. Stuart and his wife, Lorene, of Moreno Valley, Calif., and Everett C.A. Stuart and his wife, Kristine, of North Kingstown, R.I.; Uncle James A. Stuart and Aunt Lorraine of Stratham, N.H.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Bedford, P.O. Box 985, Bedford, VA 24523; Bedford Presbyterian Church, 105 W. Main St., Bedford, VA 24523; or Grace United Methodist Church, 3522 Secrest Shortcut Road, Monroe, NC 28110.

A celebration of Robert's life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John T. Salley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, (540) 586-3443.

To ensure better health, the family suggests routine checkups and especially colonoscopies to everyone of all ages.