William Arthur Stewart

William Arthur Stewart of McCook, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska. Bill was 89 years old. Bill was born on August 8, 1927 in Culbertson, Nebraska to parents, Arthur Lee and Nellie M. (Hayes) Stewart. The family moved to Palisade, Nebraska when Bill was eight years old. He graduated from Palisade High School in 1945. After graduation Bill enlisted in the US Marines and served one and a half years before being honorably discharged. After his return, the military offered his job training at Columbus, Nebraska in lumbering. Bill married Bettye Solace on June 27, 1947 at Palisade and in 1948 they moved to Alliance, Nebraska where Bill worked for Melville Lumber and Fairmont Foods. He was a volunteer for the Alliance fire department and coached little league baseball teams. Bill and Bettye started their family in Alliance and had five sons, Mike, Randy, Bob, Chuck and Dennis. When the youngest son Dennis was one year old, in 1961, the family moved to McCook and made McCook their home until his death. Bill was a member of the First Methodist Church of McCook for over 50 years. Bill was raised a Methodist and would have received his 75-year membership this year. While living in McCook, Bill worked for the McCook Equity, West Sale Barn, Cornbelt Chemical, and retired after a short time at Walmart. Bill volunteered to the McCook Toy Box for over 40 years fixing bikes, tricycles, and wagons for children. There he became Santa Bill. He received the McCook Volunteer of the year in 2008 and was Grand Marshall in the Heritage Day Parade. Bill received the Service to Mankind District Award in 2004-2005 awarded by Sertoma International Mid Nebraska District and was also awarded the Service to Mankind Award, 2003-2004, by the McCook Area Sertoma Club. He also received the Citizen of the year presented in 2002-2003 from the McCook Elks Lodge #1434. In 1969, he was awarded the McCook FFA Award for voluntary service. Bill was an avid McCook Bison football fan, following the team to state playoffs until his health sidelined him at home. Even then, Bill listened to local Bison games on the radio while Bettye set in the bleachers. Bill also was a Denver Bronco fan and watched NFL/AFL games on TV. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Nell Stewart; sisters, Helen Bailey and young sister Normie Mae who died at age five; and brother, James Stewart. Bill and Bettye lost four of their five sons, Randy, Chuck, Bob and Dennis. Survivors include his wife of over 69 years, Bettye Stewart of McCook; son, Mike Stewart and wife, Tonya, of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Rachel, Sheree, Robbie, MG and Josh; 13 great-grandchildren: sisters, Janet McKillip, Phyliss Myers and Ardis Hopper; sister-in-law, Linda Stewart; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. Memorials may be given in his name to Bettye Stewart c/o Mike Stewart, 3515 Stoney Oak Dr., Houston TX 77068. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend words of condolence to the family. Memorial service will be held Monday, December 12, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Jeff Kelley officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial Service

Monday, December 12, 2016 2:00 PM