Chester R. Stewart

Chester R. Stewart, 93, of rural Alexander, died early Monday, Sept. 1, 1997, at Passavant Area Hospital.

He was born June 25, 1904, in Morgan County, the son of L.J. and Laura Parrott Stewart. He married Thelma Pahlmann on Feb. 22, 1941, at Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Mrs. Gary (Phyllis) Rude of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mrs. Woody (Ruth) Cheesman of Carthage; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three step great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold L. "Bud," John "Jack," Myron P. "Jim" and Russell "Dick"; and two sisters, Ollie May and M. Lorene.

Mr. Stewart was a life long farmer, operating the farm purchased by his father in 1891. He was a member of the Berea Christian Church, where he served on the board for many years. He was serving as president of the Berea Cemetery Association at the time of his death and served as cemetery secretary for many years. He was also a member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Berea Christian Church with burial at Berea Cemetery. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church. Visitation will be after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends form 5-7 p.m. Memorial gifts may be given to the Berea Cemetery Association.