Robert “Hatch” Stewart, 90, of Morrisonville, died Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, at 12 p.m. in Morrisonville Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #721 and the Department of Defense. Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville is assisting the family.
Mr. Stewart was born March 16, 1930, in Columbus, OH, the son of Melvin and Elizabeth (Chesser) Stewart.
He moved to Morrisonville as a young boy, and grew up working in his father’s meat locker business, as it evolved into Stewart’s IGA. In 1948, he graduated from Morrisonville High School, where he was the senior class president.
Following high school, he proudly served the country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1949, and then the Naval Reserves until 1955. While in the Reserves, he married Frances Smothers on March 25, 1951, in Hillsboro, and she survives. In 1955, he became a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, and he served until his retirement in 1990.
Through the years, he served the Morrisonville community in many capacities, primarily as a friend and leader to the youth. He was a Boy Scout leader, and a coach to many children’s sports teams, including little league, pony league and the St. Maurice Grade School basketball team. He taught many generations of Morrisonville kids how to swim and water ski.
After retirement, he served as a volunteer ambulance driver. He was a dedicated member of the Leslie Reddick American Legion Post 721, where he provided military honors at countless funerals and marched in many Morrisonville parades. He was honored to be chosen as the 2019 Grand Marshal of the Morrisonville Picnic and Homecoming.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Pam Stewart of Riverton, Randy (wife Lora) Stewart of Taylorville and Rob Stewart of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter, Stacey (husband Nathan) Laatsch of Chatham; great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Mina; sister-in-law, Carol L. Stewart of Morrisonville; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lisa Marie Anderson, and brother, James M. Stewart.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #721, 607 Ricks St., Morrisonville, IL 62546.
Online condolences may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
