Charles “Charlie” “Booney” L. Stewart, of Festus, formerly of Farmington, entered eternal rest on July 17, 2024, at De Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis at the age of 77. He was born on April 2, 1947, in Bonne Terre to Paul Benjamin and Helen Arlene (Chilton) Stewart.
Charlie was a loving husband to his wife of 53 years, Catherine (Wesley) Stewart of Festus who survives. He is also survived by his children, Jennifer Renee Tinsley and Matthew Ryan (Kate) Stewart, his grandchildren, Zane Tinsley, Laiken Cash, Jaiden Belt, Brigham Charles Stewart and Emilia Jane Stewart and his brother, Paul (Ginger) Stewart. He was also a loving uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Sue Thompson Baker, his aunt, Pauline Cooper, and his uncle, Albert “Pete” Cooper.
Charlie was a 1965 graduate of Farmington High School. He earned an associate’s degree in arts at Mineral Area College, a Bachelor of Science degree at Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in social work at St. Louis University. He received the following certifications in social work: MSW, ACSW and LCSW. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966 and served a tour as a corpsman in Vietnam and was an HM Petty Officer 2nd class at the time of his discharge in 1970. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 3777 of Festus, the Elks Lodge #1721 of Festus/Crystal City, the American Legion Post 253 of Festus and the Disabled American Veterans. Charlie worked as a social worker at the Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center and retired after 30 years of service. He was the first social worker at Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center to be awarded the Heart to Hands Award.
Charlie was a man well-liked and respected in the community. He was honest, compassionate, gentle and kind and really cared about people. He will be dearly missed. He enjoyed family especially watching the grandkids play sports; baseball, basketball, soccer and golf. He also enjoyed helping neighbors and friends. He loved sitting on the side porch listening to music and reading a book.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2 p.m. until time of service at 5 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel officiated by Deacon Mike Burch. Inurnment with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Feed My People, the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Human Society. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
