Ernest Stewart
Ernest Stewart
Ernest Stewart
February 20, 1936 – December 26, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 80
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Ernest “Ernie” Andrew Stewart, 80, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, December 26, 2016, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born Thursday, February 20, 1936, in Albia the son of Walter and Maxine Simms Stewart.
Ernie graduated from the Oskaloosa High School with the Class of 1954.
In October of 1956, Ernie enlisted in the Army Reserve and served until his retirement in 1995. While in the reserves, Ernie worked as a cook, chaplain’s assistant and truck driver. During his military career, Ernie received numerous awards for his excellence in service.
On June 3, 1962, Ernie was united in marriage to Sandra Lee. To this union 4 children were born: Kent, Kelly, Kym and Keri. Ernie and Sandra later divorced.
Ernie worked various sales jobs throughout his life including Fox Photo, selling supplies to schools, and lastly at Vernon selling advertising supplies to businesses in Oskaloosa. Ernie also owned several rental properties and managed them until his health declined.
Ernie was an avid mall walker, loved to cook and garden. He also enjoyed coaching Kent’s Babe Ruth team when Kent was younger. He was a member of the Oskaloosa V.F.W.
He is survived by his son Kent Stewart of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Kym (& Jeff) Johnson of Oskaloosa and Keri (& Brad) Westercamp of Missouri Valley, Iowa; 7 grandchildren: Kayla Peiffer, Joli Johnson, Hailee, Joshua, Brianna and Kassidy Westercamp and Matthew Stewart; two great grandsons: Carter and Jaxon Peiffer; a brother: Larry (& Pat) Stewart of Oskaloosa: two sisters-in-law: Grace Stewart and Sandra Stewart both of Oskaloosa; and 12 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kelly Stewart; three brothers: Dwight, Kenneth and LaVerne Stewart; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Stewart.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 30, 2016, at 7 P.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Brad Westercamp officiating.
As was his wish, Ernie’s body will be cremated following the service and burial will be at a later date.
Visitation will begin Friday, December 30, 2016, after 1 P.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa and the family will be present at the funeral chapel Friday from 5 P.M. until service time at 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives.
Military rites will be given at the funeral home following the service by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W.
Memorials may be made to the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter.
