William Stewart Sr.

Published 11:34 am Tuesday, September 2, 2014

William I. Stewart Sr., 86, passed away suddenly on Aug. 14, 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances “Mil”; daughter, Cindy Kochel, and her husband, Marv, of Denver, Pa.; son, Barry, and his wife, Jewell, of Frisco, Texas; son, Bill, and his wife, Jill, of Greensboro, N.C.; and son, Mark, and his wife, Helene, of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Ashley, John, Brittany, Josh, Haley, Rebecca and Demetri; great-grandchildren, Kylie and Cole; nephew, Ken Wagner, and his wife, Helene; and brothers-in-law, J.D. Kinchen and Bruce Kinchen and his wife, Peggy.

Born in Bogalusa, Bill graduated from Louisiana State University, receiving a master’s degree in agricultural studies. Afterward, he joined the Army during the Korean War, becoming a first lieutenant. He worked for several businesses selling and marketing animal health products. He served on the Eastern Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) School Board.

He lived in many areas across the U.S. With his hospitality and good humor, Bill never met a stranger and developed countless lifelong friendships. He loved sharing good food and a challenging game of Rook.

As an expression of his love for the Lord, Bill taught Sunday school for 45 years. Since 1981, his church home was First Baptist Church of Orange Park, where he served as deacon and treasurer.

A memorial service will be held at FBCOP on Friday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., and followed by interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FBCOP building fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Services are entrusted to Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, Fla., 904-264-1233.