In Loving Memory of our Dad Bobby Wayne Stewart
May 29, 1937 – July 17, 2023
We are deeply saddened to share that our dear Dad, Bobby Wayne Stewart, passed away on July 17, 2023. He left this world peacefully in his sleep, closing the chapter of an extraordinary life lived to the fullest.
Bob Stewart was born on May 29, 1937, in the town of Panama, Oklahoma, as the youngest child of Kate and Elmer Stewart. He grew up in a loving household with his mother and his brothers Harold, James, Joe and J.B., and his sisters Nellie and Audrey. The Stewart family bonds were strong, and they shared many joyful memories and cherished moments together.
Bob married his sweetheart Arietta Wilson of McCurtain, OK on April 8, 1961. Their love and devotion to each other were the cornerstone of their happy home. Together, they raised their four daughters, Cindy, Pam, Joyce, and Dena, and fostered a home full of love and happiness.
As a young man, Bob embarked on an adventurous journey with his brother Joe that took him to the Merchant Marines. He spent several years in this role, traveled the globe while supporting his family back home. Those days at sea opened his eyes to the wonders of the world and gave him stories to tell for a lifetime.
Upon returning from his maritime adventures, Bob became the proud owner and operator of Spiro Sand and Gravel, a business he dedicated himself to for more than 50 years. With his passion and hard work, he developed a successful business that allowed him to provide a comfortable life for his family.
One of Bob’s greatest joys in life was going to the horse races. He loved the thrill of the races and had an uncanny ability to hit the Pick 6 on more than one occasion. In addition to his passion for horse racing, Bob had an eye for collecting antiques. He adored scouring yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, and antique shops, always on the lookout for unique and treasured finds.
One of our fondest memories we all share is looking forward to family gatherings where Bob was the grill master. We could not wait for him to cook his famous hamburgers, mouthwatering ribs, and big T-bone steaks with his own special barbeque sauce. He also had a knack for making the best hash browns ever, and his big breakfast spreads. Gathering around the table to enjoy his delicious food became a cherished tradition, and we savored every bite.
Bob was known as Pops to all his grandkids and great grandkids, and his love for them knew no bounds. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will forever be treasured by the family.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Arietta Stewart, mother Kate Williams Stewart, father Elmer Stewart, brothers and sisters Harold, James, Joe, J.B., Nellie, and Audrey and son-in-law Joe Deere.
Bob is survived by his daughter Cindy Deere, grand-daughter Marcie Deere & husband Montana Gray, great-grandchildren James, Arietta, Paul, & Addy Barnes, & Khalee Gray. Grand-daughter Kacie & husband Dillion Fields, great-grandchildren Blakely, Odin, & Ava Fields. His daughter Pam & husband Buddy French, grandson Brad & wife Natalie Huddleston, great grandchildren Avery, Gavin, Ivan, & Vivian Huddleston. Grand-daughter Kyla & husband Brent Jenkins, great-grandchildren Drake, Rayna & Waylon Jenkins. Daughter Joyce & husband Steven Fowler, granddaughter Madison & husband Bo Guist, great-granddaughters Everlyn & Oaklyn Guist. Grand-daughters Sydnee Fowler & Bailey Fowler. Daughter Dena Stewart & grandson Cayman Stewart. And his very special friend Donna Goforth.
Bob Stewart’s presence will be greatly missed, leaving a void in the hearts of his family and friends that he touched with his kindness.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Funeral services will be held 10:00am Friday, July 21, 2023 at the Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in the Miners Cemetery in McCurtain, Oklahoma.
Viewing will be 12:00pm-7:00pm Thursday at the funeral home.
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