Raymond F. Stewart was born on Nov. 6, 1912 in Garnett, Kan., son of the late Fletcher and Cora Garrison Stewart and died Feb. 23, 2002 at Beverly Health Care in Dexter, Mo. at the age of 89 years, three months, and 17 days. He was united in marriage to Naomi Wiggs Stewart on May 10, 1952, she survives.

He is survived by his wife, Naomi Stewart of Dexter; two daughters, Lillian Snavely of Ozark, Mo. and Rayla Hogue of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; one brother, Everett Stewart and one sister, Sylvia Bennett, both of Mansfield, Mo.; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Suzanne Stewart; three brothers, Henry, Reuben, and Ernest Stewart; two sisters, Edna Binley and Fearn Smith.

Ray became a Christian as a a teenager and was a faithful servant of God. He was a member of Sugar Tree General Baptist Church, where he had served as a trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, church treasurer, Sunday School secretary, adult class teacher, and the hand that did whatever needed to be done. Raymond was a wonderful husband and father, a man of simple faith and a loving heart.

He retired after working 30 years for Hart Truck Lines. He worked as a driver and then as shop foreman. He also worked with his hands, with woodworking projects, gardening, and other projects, often for others.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 5 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Joe Ogelvie officiating, assisted by the Rev. John Snavely, Rev. John Lee Adams, Rev. Dr. Glen F. Wiggs and the Rev. Dr. James V. Hogue. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

The family has requested that memorials may be made to the Sugar Tree General Baptist Church.