Billy D. ‘Bill’ Stewart
Oct. 13, 1931 — Aug. 25, 2011
Billy D. "Bill" Stewart, age 79, of Montrose, Colo., passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 at San Juan Living Center in Montrose. Bill was born Oct. 13, 1931 to William and Jennie (Highland) Stewart in Arapahoe, Neb. At the age of 21, Bill enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Nebraska, and worked in road and bridge building, before moving to Montrose, where he has made his home until his time of death. Bill married Dorothy Block-Hawks on Aug. 14, 1981 in Montrose and was happily married for 30 years. For years, Bill painted homes, did lawn care and as was a car detailer for Turner Automotive. Bill and Dorothy attended Grace Community Church in Montrose where he was baptized. His favorite pastime was playing pool and watching football. His highlight was competing in pool tournaments at the Montrose Pavilion. Bill enjoyed his large vegetable garden he would grow each year and would share his produce with family, friends and many neighbors. Bill had a great love for birds of all kinds, especially the Orioles and hummingbirds. Bill loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren and their sports were very much a part of Bill and Dorothy’s life. Bill would take part in every school and 4-H event of his grandchildren. He was so proud of his grandson, Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Johnson, serving in Candar, Afganistan and his other grandson, Jesse McCarty, who served in the United States Navy. He was very close to his nieces, nephews and attended many of their family gatherings. He often talked of traveling and enjoyed exploring of lost mines and gold panning. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving family members include his wife, Dorothy Stewart of Montrose; son, Rick Hawks “Rick em” of Grand Junction, Colo., daughters, Celeste (Stewart) Dolan of Utah, Karie Hawks and Kim Hawks-Justman, of Montrose; brother-in-laws, Jerome Warner of Denver, Colo., Don Block of Grand Junction, Colo; a brother, Dick Edwards (adopted in heart) of Wellington, Nev.; 11 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jennie Stewart; three sisters, Jean Jacobson, Vera Stevenson, Phyllis Warner; one sister-in-law, Jean Block; one brother, Tommy Stewart at age 12; and one grandson, Dougie McCarty at 1-1/2 years.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. Following the visitation, there will be a graveside service with military honors at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at Grand View Cemetery, west of Montrose. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
