DONALD LEE "DON" STEWART

Donald Lee "Don" Stewart Sr., age 64, resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., went to be with his Savior on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at Fort Scott Mercy Health Center, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 1, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Warren F. and Nellie Higdon Stewart.

He graduated from Bronson High School and was a member of their Bulldogs football team.

He married Karen A. Hurd on Aug. 27, 1965, in Fort Scott.

Don had worked in real-estate for over 35 years. As the owner of Stewart Realty, he was a certified appraiser, a licensed insurance broker, a real estate agent and a real estate broker.

With a motto of "Whatever We LIST Turns to SOLD", Don worked diligently to make this happen for the buyers and sellers that he served.

Don could often be seen at the office working late hours, the weekend and even holidays to better serve his customers. Most local residents will recall the catchy radio jingles and the red, white and blue "For Sale" signs that have dotted Fort Scott and surrounding communities over the years. Don's continued effort with Stewart Realty helped many people find their perfect home.

Along with his hard work and dedication to the business that he loved, Don served on several committees of Fort Scott and was involved in numerous city activities. Don was board member of both UMB and the Presbyterian Village, a past member of the Lyons Club, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Who's Who of Realtors, and a past President of the Board of Realtors of Bourbon County Design Committee. Don was active in the Wednesday morning Men's Prayer Breakfast.

He was a longtime member of the Community Christian Church of Fort Scott. Recently he was honored with the coveted Keystone Award by the Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family. This included family gatherings at his home or that of relatives, often just enjoying coffee and catching up with the latest family and area news. He also enjoyed raising cattle on his farm that he owned for many years.

Survivors include his loving wife, Karen, of the home, two sons, Donald "J.R." Stewart Jr., and his wife Wendy, and Brent Stewart, all of Fort Scott; four granddaughters, Brenna (Stewart) Bollinger and husband Brent, Paige Stewart, Holly Schnichels and Emily Schnichels; one grandson, Jordan Stewart, three great-grandsons, Daeson Bollinger, Bryson Bollinger and Keagan "K.W." Stewart, all of Fort Scott.

Also surviving is his mother, Nellie Ater, of Arma, Kan.; a brother, Chuck Stewart and wife Nancy, Fort Scott; two sisters, Linda Day and Cory Havice and husband Don, Pittsburg, Kan.; his brothers and sisters in law, Rick and Shirley Hurd and Ron and Etta Hurd; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Stewart, a brother Michael Stewart and step-dad, Ivan Ater.

Pastor Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to The Sharing Bucket, a local cancer support group that benefits local cancer patients through emotional and financial assistance, and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.cheneywitt.com.