Clark Stewart

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Clark E. Stewart, 85, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at his home after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

He was born Dec. 10, 1923, at Flat River, Mo., the eighth child of William and Mabel Stewart.

He was an athlete, participating in basketball in high school and football, track and boxing in college.

After retirement, Clark was an avid golfer, followed Mizzou games, and went to a bowl game. He was interested in national and local politics and community projects. CNN lost an avid viewer.

A veteran of World War II, Clark was awarded four Bronze Stars for his Army service.

Clark graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in education. He taught civics and coached basketball two years at Mehlville High School in St. Louis. He retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital after 30 years of service. Following retirement, Clark was employed eight years as a courier by Midwest Transplant Network, supporting his commitment to organ transplantation.

Clark was a loving husband and father. A hands-on Dad and homebody, he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his house. You would seldom see him without a child or baby on his lap. He loved the outdoors, taking his grandchildren on fishing trips, collecting rocks along the ocean shore and sitting on the beach awaiting a beautiful sunset. Clark Stewart was content with the simple pleasures of life.

He and Jean Anne Scates were married Aug. 10, 1946, by his father, the Rev. William Stewart. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary by the ocean in California.

Clark is survived by his children, Salle Stewart of Overland Park, Kan., Belinda Lower and husband Mike of Lenexa, Kan., Andrew Stewart and wife Ninnette of Calabasas, Calif.; a sister, Mary Hurst of St. Louis; brothers Joe and Dave Stewart of Casper, Wyo.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Sandra Stewart, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sandra L. Stewart Palliative Care Education Fund at the University of Kansas Hospital, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway Suite 302, Westwood, Kan., 66205.