of Houston, AR
July 10, 1940 - November 15, 2014
Colonel (Retired) Lawrence Michael ''Mike'' Stewart, age 74, passed away November 15, 2014. Born July 10, 1940, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late George W. and Norma Jewel Stewart. Mike graduated from Fordyce High School in 1958 and then attended Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) on a football scholarship, graduating in 1962 with a BS in Social Studies. He joined the Arkansas National Guard serving 31 years, attaining the rank of Colonel. Several accomplishments include Commander 2-153 Infantry, Executive Officer 39th Infantry Brigade, and Commandant of Arkansas Military Academy. Colonel Stewart was a graduate of US Army Command and General Staff College and a graduate of the United States Army War College. Some of his decorations/awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, American Spirit Honor Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge and Humanitarian Service Medal.
Colonel Stewart worked full time for Army National Guard serving in numerous roles at Battalion, Brigade and State Headquarters level. Those assignments included Administrative Officer 3-153 Infantry, Administrative Officer 39th Separate Infantry Brigade, Superintendent Arkansas Military Academy and Military Program Manager for Arkansas Youth Challenge Program. Upon his retirement, Mike was selected as the Director of the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program serving in that capacity for 10 years.
He is survived by his wife Dena G. Stewart; Son Colonel John M. Stewart "Mickey" (Kelly) of Vilonia; Son Kris L. Stewart (Delma) of Hope; Son Allen N. Stewart (Allison) of North Little Rock; Daughter Lisa Gann of North Little Rock.
Grandchildren: Brittany Tipler, Lauren Melton (John), Jake Stewart (Ashley), Sarah Cunningham, Presley Stewart, Neely Stewart and two great grandsons.
He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. He loved life and never met a stranger. His passions included spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and the Razorbacks.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, AR, with Chaplin Jackie Ryan officiating. Visitation on Monday, November 17, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR (501) 791-7400.
I am so sorry for your loss. Our graduating class is so blessed with great memories of those years we spent growing up together in Fordyce as well as the celebration of the very fine adults that we (such as Mike) have become. Prayers and blessings, Jimmy Poole - Class 59
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Dena, very sorry for loss of Mike. He was a great friend and neighbor and will be greatly missed. I will remember all the good times, his friendly nature and will miss him truly.
My prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.
Dena, I am truly sorry to hear about COL Stewart's passing. I have always admired him and enjoyed working for him while he was at the TAG office. He always had stories to tell that always brightened my day. My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Sorry we just heard about Mike. We are so sorry for you loss.. Prayers for you and your family.
Bill and Janet McBride, Bob and Mary Ward
Dena, so sorry to hear about Mike. You and Mike are truly dear friends and we will miss him very much. Remembering all the good times and just know we are always here for you
Dena, sorry about Mike . You know Pprchie and I loved him very much and considered him a dear dear friend. You guys have been on my mind so much. I did try texting you a few nights ago. Sorry missed the funeral but no time when we found about it. Always remember the goods ymes on the river with you and Mike. Love you Dena and my heart is broken for you. . Love ya
Rest in peace
Mike was a dear friend to my mom, Kathleen. I met him only once, at her funeral in 2010, but knew immediately he was a great man and worthy of all the good things I've ever heard. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Joining in prayer
Deena, you may not remember me but I met you with Mike at a Class reunion a few years ago. I did't graduate from Fordyce High but I've always considered the Redbug Class of '58 to be "my" class. I am honored to have had Mike as a friend all these years. He was special. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sam Bird
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this time. Our prayers are with you now and in the future. It was and honor and a great learning experience meeting him.
Our prayers and condolences to the family.
It was a pleasure to serve with and under Col. Mike Stewart for several years. We had many memorable times as officers in the same company and battalion. Mike was a special friend, and we will miss him. We are remembering his family in our prayers at this time.
Joe Finley
Mike was such a wonderful friend with a heart and laugh as big as the great outdoors. He make everyone happier to be around him. He was one of our very special Redbugs, one who will greatly missed by the many whose lives he touched. Goodby ato a beautiful man and love and prayers to Dena and family.
Dena and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was a shock to see the announcement in yesterday's paper. As a kid growing up next door to his family, I was in awe of him. He always had a big smile whenever I saw him through the years. I know you will all miss him terribly. I will be praying for you all.
My prayers to the family.
Sending our deepest condolences, your family will be in our prayers.
Dain Duvall, UCA football team-mate and Class of 1963
Dena, I am so sorry for your loss. Its just hard to put into words. I had really enjoyed visiting with you and Mike both in Fordyce and in each of our homes. Rondell and I both personally know what you are going through. All we can do is keep you in our prayers. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate in letting us attend visitation and/or funeral, but we will be in touch with you soon.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Mike was a good friend and he will be missed. We shared many memories while serving in the 39th Bde. He could motivate and uplift any audience. Mike always kept life in proper perspective and could break tense situations with humorous laughter like no other person I have known.
Our hearts go out to the family of Col. Mike. He was a true Patriot!
Dena,
So very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Will see you as soon as I can.
Love you,
Steph
Mickey & family,
Danny & I were so sorry to hear about your dad. Such a loss!
Danny's first AGR job interview was with your dad & he remembers that to this day. Know that our thoughts are with you during this time.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My prayers and condolences, my heart is heavy in sorrow for your lost, but I rejoice for he is in a beautiful resting place.
So sorry for your loss Dena. We all send our prayers and thoughts to you and the entire family.
Stephanie A Sawyer
Ann S. Harris
Braxton B. Sawyer
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good friend of mine and I always looked forward to seeing me during deer season and the Fordyce on the Cotton belt. He always had a smile and we discussed old times. He will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to his extended family.
Sorry for your loss. A loving father, husband and grandfather. A special heart and loveable laugh and smile. Will be missed by Neely and Presley. We appreciate his service to our country!, Praying for you.
Dena, I have been and will continue to pray for you and your family. I think I speak for the whole class of '58 when I say " he was one of a kind..the goodest kind..and was loved by everyone in the class". I will miss his sweet smile and encouraging words more than I can say. Peace and comfort be with you all is my prayer.
Deena, Mickey,
Loved working with Mike when he was my battalion commander and at Youth Challenge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. He will be truly missed.
Dear Family,
Know that Mike will be missed greatly, especially his huge smile. Having known him since 1st grade, it'll be a hole in our heart for great while.
Prayers of comfort, courage, strength & peace for all of you.
Jean Brooks
Praying for you and your family.
Always Patricia
Deena,
We are very sorry for your loss! Mike was a great mentor and friend!
Dena, all our thoughts , prayers and love
are with you and family.
Deena...I am so saddened by the news. Mike was a special person to all of our family. I always considered him a big brother figure. We will miss him so much. Praying for you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My the good lord been with you each and every day.
Love you
Connie and Ursula
i am so sorry. My thoughts have been with you and the family. Love, nancy
DENA AND EXTENDED FAMILIES,
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL THE FAMILIES AT THIS TIME OF LOSS. MIKE AND I WERE NEIGHBORS, BOY SCOUTS, FOOTBALL, BAND AND MOSTLY HUNTING/FISHING PALS FOR OVER SIXTY YEARS. YOU AND MIKE IN OUR HOME, WE IN YOURS, SHARED MANY GOOD TIMES. WE LOVE AND CHERISH OUR FRIENDSHIPS...AND WILL BE HERE FOR YOU.