William Stewart

WILLIAM MICHAEL “MIKE” STEWART, 71, of Charleston, IL passed away at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, MO.

Private family memorial will be held at a later date.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mike was born on October 7, 1945 in Charleston, IL.  He was a son of Horace Jr. and Anna Mae (Stewart) Stewart.  He married Gail Wade on October 5, 1968 in Greenup, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Stewart of Charleston, IL, two daughters, Shannon Esker and her husband Doug of Teutopolis, IL, and Stacia Danalewich and her husband Drew of Charleston, IL, one granddaughter, Mariah Stewart and her fiancé Adam Keasey of Collinsville, IL, one brother, Samuel “Sam” Stewart of New Port Richey, FL, and one sister Judy Farrier and her husband Gene of Mattoon, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike graduated from Charleston High School in 1963.

He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War.

Mike went to work for the Nickel Plate Railroad in Charleston right out of High School.   He retired as an Engineer in 1997 from the Union Pacific Railroad in Villa Grove with over 30 years of service.

Mike was a member of the Moose Lodge in Charleston, IL.  He enjoyed playing golf at Bent Tree Golf Course in Charleston, IL, as a member of the “Dew Boys” teeing off at sunrise.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charleston Food Pantry, 990 W. State Street, Charleston, IL 61920.