Charles John "C.J." Stewart

Charles John “C. J.” Stewart, 92, of Springfield, died at 8:30 pm, Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at his home. He was born August 30, 1924 in Stuttgart, AR to Charles J. and Marguerite Brittin Stewart. He married Linda Ashby on May 20, 1978 and she survives.

Also surviving are seven children, John (Pam) Stewart of Grass Valley, CA, Kate (Mike) Patkus of Coral Springs, FL, Kevin (Beverly) Stewart of Champaign, Mike (Amy) Haas of Oxford, MS, Randy (Renee’) Haas of Centerville, OH, Jeff (Jody) Haas of Tomball, TX and Glenda (David) Wochaski of Oceanside, CA; son-in-law, Lester Richards of Decatur; sixteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; one brother, Oliver Stewart and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Brenda Richards and two sisters, Martha Samples and Lelia Grover.

Mr. Stewart was a US Navy Veteran. He was a member of West Side Christian Church in Springfield where he served as a Deacon and Elder and was also a member at Village Bible Church in Hot Springs Village, AR. He enjoyed playing cards, softball, competitive roller skating, hunting, fishing, golfing and woodworking. He was a multi-talented craftsman and built his own homes.

He was an engineering technician for Sangamo Electric for twenty-five years, and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation after ten years of service. He enjoyed thirty years of retirement. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa. C.J. was strong in his faith and served the Lord.

A celebration of life will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Staab Funeral Home with Reverend Andrew Crowther officiating. Burial will be at Brittin Cemetery with Chaplain Dave Harmon officiating and where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lewis Memorial Christian Village.