Obituary of Robert Warren Stewart

Robert Warren Stewart, World War II veteran of the North African and Italian campaigns and recipient of four Bronze Stars, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Having decided the fish weren't biting here anymore, Warren decided to take his rods and reels to a better-stocked river. He believed fishing cured all ailments and scared away the devil himself. When he wasn't fishing with whomever he could drag with him, Warren was traveling to other states, building churches with Carpenters for Christ. After his home church, Munford Baptist Church, was destroyed in a fire, Warren retired from the Anniston Army Depot and spent almost every day for two years helping to rebuild it. His only days off were to find out if the fish were biting. He served as deacon and provided enough fish for dozens of fish fries. Born in Bessemer in 1924, Warren moved with his family many times, especially once the Depression hit. As the third oldest child and to help support his family, Warren stopped going to school after sixth grade. Although he was intelligent and brave, Warren sometimes felt embarrassed by his lack of education despite being able to repair and build anything. While at the Depot, Warren received numerous awards for coming up with new and more efficient ways to do things. He would get coworkers to write up the idea and then share the award with them. There are too many stories to include here – his bravery, his strength, his humor, and his love of his children, granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Warren hated having his picture made, so he would “cheese it up” when he realized one was being taken. Warren's precious wife, Betty, went ahead of him ten years ago to help his parents John W. and Pearl Stewart, brothers, John Stewart, Harold Stewart, and David Stewart, and sisters Verna Finch, Bette Adams, and Annie Jo Stewart, prepare for better fishing. Warren leaves his son Robert (Bob) Stewart (Kathy), daughter Joyce Stewart, granddaughters Dana George (Greg) and Tina Jennings (Ray), and great-grandchildren Peyton van Ekris, Cory van Ekris, Noah George, Kiley Williamson, Cody Jennings, and Holli Jennings, and great, great-granddaughter McKenzie Zachery as well as sisters Gay Coley, Evelyn Magouirk, Fay Langley, and Judy Baker (J.T.) to attempt to fish on their own. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 23, at 2:00 pm at Munford Baptist Church. Visitation will be held two hours before the service. Save us some worms, Pop! Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com