Lawrence Stewart

To have known Larry Stewart was to love him. A good-hearted, genuine fellow, Larry added much to the lives around him. He enjoyed the friendships of many with his fun-loving nature, and he worked hard to provide for the family he loved. Larrys faith saw him through the best life had to offer as well as the struggles that appear along lifes journey. Whether family or friend, it was a joy to share Larrys company. Never far from memories reach, he will be long remembered.

The year 1960 ushered in an entirely new way of thinking within the culture of America. As 3,500 young servicemen and women made their way overseas, the United States involvement in the Vietnam War was at the forefront of politics, headlines, heartache, and peace movements while racial tensions soared. Despite looming problems the world over, many found reprieve in the form of drive-in theaters, Chubby Checkers dance craze hit, The Twist, and the premier of The Flintstones. Born on July 28, 1960 in Sharpsburg, Kentucky, Lawrence W. Stewart was the son of William and Juanita (Banks) Stewart.

Larry and his family eventually moved from Kentucky to the area of Columbia City, Indiana where Larry grew up alongside his sister, Lynn, and three brothers, Steve, DeWayne, and Bobby. He enjoyed a childhood filled with neighborhood friends and hanging out with his siblings. They stayed out until the street lights came on, and riding bicycles was their main form of transportation everywhere. Larry attended the local schools, and during his youth he enjoyed adventure filled days and found his share of shenanigans, too. Close in age, Larry and his brothers found their share of trouble, and if one could name it, they probably did it! In 1979, Larry graduated from Columbia City Joint High School at which time he took welding and electrical training courses to work in maintenance and construction positions.

Having met a pretty young woman by the name of Mischelle Brown, Larrys heart was forever changed. They shared a deep, abiding love, and on September 20, 1985, Larry and Mischelle were happily married in Columbia City. The newlyweds set-up house and before long they began a family of their own with the births of Amber, Dustin, and Maley. Being a husband and becoming a father filled Larrys heart with joy. Together he and Mischelle provided a comfortable lifestyle for their family. He lived by way of example, and taught his children well. Larry was a good father who taught his children numerous skills, about life, and the importance of remembering to have fun. In fact, Larry meant more to his kids than anyone else in their lives.

Camping was an activity Larry and his family thoroughly enjoyed. They went to Chain-O-Lakes campground two to three times a year where they had great times exploring and seeing the sights, making treasured memories along the way. Over the years memorable times were shared during the holidays and other special occasions which will always be cherished. Larry was a member of Community of Hope Church in Columbia City, and in his free time he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and bowling. He loved to golf and was grateful for the opportunity to take a golfing trip to California. For a time he was even a member of a Wednesday night bowling league. Two of his favorite teams included the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. He loved watching UFC fights and most Friday or Saturday nights were reserved for fight nights as he got together with family and friends to watch the fights on TV. He also liked watching TruTV, and when it came to music, he was an avid Bob Segar fan.

Larry was an amazing grandfather to his five precious granddaughters, and anytime they spent with Larry proved to be the best of times. His heart easily melted when he was around them, and they loved him more than anything. Larry counted the best days of his life as the day he married his sweetheart, Mischelle, seeing his three children born, witnessing two of his children marry, enjoying his granddaughters, and the company of his rescue dog, known as Sir Lawrence Scruffington. Yet the greatest day of Larrys life was the day he was saved and came to know a personal relationship with the Lord.

Always encouraging of others, Larry was a great support to his family and friends. He was always there with a helping hand and a word to lift spirits up in the lives of those he cared about. He was a fun-loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend and he relished every moment shared with family and friends. Larry possessed a wonderful, gracious personality. A very happy man, he loved to joke and get people worked up. With ways all his own, he knew how to put a smile on someones face even on the gloomiest of days. Quite simply, Larry was very enjoyable to be around. He never met a stranger, and once a friend of Larry, always a friend. There was no one quite like Larry Stewart, and for these things and so much more, he will be forever remembered and missed.

Lawrence W. Larry Stewart, age 56, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 12:55 am on Friday, June 30, 2017 at his residence. Survivors include his loving wife of 31 years, Mischelle Stewart of Columbia City; his children, Amber (David Warner) Heady of Warsaw, Dustin (Abby) Stewart of South Whitley, and Maley (Jackie Arend) Stewart of Columbia City; grandchildren, Taylie Heady, Avary Heady, Brielle Heady, Amelya Stewart, and Elliana Stewart; his brothers, Steve (Mitzi) Stewart of Columbia City, DeWayne Stewart of Fort Wayne, and Bobby (Joni) Stewart of Larwill; brother-in-law Robert Sroufe of Larwill Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lynn Sroufe, and his nephew, Brandon Stewart.

Friends may call on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 2-4 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Larry will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. Memorial contributions in memory of Larry may be made to the Fair Haven Foundation, P.O. Box 441683 Indianapolis, IN 46244. To share a favorite memory or photo of Larry, sign his online guest book and to leave a condolence, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .