Robert Clair Stewart passed away February 29, 2016 at Martin Nursing Restorative Care Center after a long courageous fight with many health issues. He was a native Ohioan and a resident of Palm City, FL for 29 years.. He was born June 2, 1922, in St. Clairsville, a son of the late Thoburn R. Stewart and Beulah Stoffel Stewart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Lodge Stewart and brother, Thomas Stewart.

He graduated from St. Clairsville, OH High School in 1940 and The Ohio State University, Dept. of Engineering in 1947. His career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers from 1942 to 1946 with service in the Western Pacific with his last duty station in Okinawa. He remained in the active Army Reserve and retired as a Major, US Army Corps of Engineers. Bob retired in 1984 as an executive with Columbia Gas Distribution Companies, after 37 years with the company. He was an active member to the A.S.M.E (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). After retirement he continued to do consulting work with the gas industry.

While he lived in Columbus, Ohio, Bob was active in the Boulevard Presbyterian Church and helped organize the original local chapter of ARC and was a loyal Buckeye Fan of The Ohio State University.

After retirement , Bob and Lana relocated to the Evergreen Club, Palm City, FL and enjoyed many happy hours there playing golf. So that he and Lana could fully enjoy boating, he designed a house to be built on the water in Sea Gate Harbor and became active in the homeowners' association serving in many positions. One of his passions was designing homes, especially many of which were his previous homes. He took great joy in his devotion to the care of the Sea Gate Harbor Park on the St. Lucie River which was recently renamed in his honor.

Bob was the consummate gentleman; very witty and charming. His calmness, courage, honor and dignity made him an inspiration to all. He was truly a "national treasure" and will be missed by many. He was admired, respected and loved by his family and will be remembered by them and his many friends for his integrity and unwavering positive attitude towards life.

He leaves to the loving care of God, his wife of 41 years, Lana Stewart of Palm City, Florida; son Richard (Nancy Barlett) of Punta Gorda, FL; a daughter Cyndi Smith (husband Tom) of Grove City, Ohio; five grandchildren (Rob Stewart, Sheila Martin, Emily Harrison, Kent Smith, Melissa Scheel) and ten great grandchildren (Alex, Conner & Olivia Stewart; Sam & Ben Martin; Zachary & Mia Harrison; Brielle and Everlee Smith; and Lindsey Scheel Hamman).

Memorial contributions may be made to Recreation Unlimited (www.recreationunlimited.org), 7700 Piper Rd., Ashley, OH 43003-0741, or Special Olympics Florida-Martin County (www.specialolympicsflorida.org), POB 277, Port Salerno, FL 34992.

A service will be held in Columbus, OH on April 16, 2016 at 2:00PM at Boulevard Presbyterian Church. His cremains will be interred with a military service at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, June 2, 2016 at 1:30PM. Also, a celebration of his life will be held at the Sea Gate Harbor Park May 13, 2016 at 6:00PM.