R Wendell Stewart (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Dr. Robert Wendell Stewart, Jr. was born August 29, 1946 to parents Dr. Robert Wendell Stewart and Dorothea Bumann Stewart, left this life July 5, 2022 after a 2 year battle with cancer. He grew up in Springfield, MO graduating from Parkview High School in 1964. He then went to Drury College and graduated with a degree in Biology in 1968. From there he went to the University of Missouri and received his Masters in Public Health in 1969 and then his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He moved to Bolivar following graduation and began to practice that summer. He spent his entire career of 48 years in Bolivar and continued to practice until March of this year. Over this time he cared for thousands of large and small animals, building lasting relationships with so many clients. His last year was spent primarily doing work for Polk County Humane Society, family and friends.
He married Susan Allen in August of 1968 and to that union Geoff and Shelbey were born. Geoff and Shelbey were his pride and joy. He made every effort to make all of their sporting events and activities, and support them in all of their endeavors. He loved spending time at the lake and on family vacations with them.
He married Darwina on July 10, 1999 and they spent the duration of their marriage working and traveling together. They spent 24 hours a day together and loved every minute of it.
His second love was the beach and he spent as much free time as possible at the big red house he chose in Gulf Shores, AL fishing, boating and eating seafood.
He had a huge sense of adventure and loved to travel. Cruising the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska and road trips out west to see the Grand Canyon.
He is survived by siblings Dr. James Brandt Stewart and his wife, Debbie (Pleasant Hope, MO) and their children Christy, Kevin and Mark. John Spencer Stewart and his wife Lori (Springfield, MO) and son, Peter. Kathleen Stewart O’Leary and husband Dan (Baton Rouge, LA) and their children Bryan, Jon and Meghan.
Son Geoff Stewart and wife Beth (Nevada, MO) and grandchildren Grady and Sophia. Daughter, Shelbey Stockton (Bolivar, MO) and grandchildren Conor and Evan.
Bonus children Meredith (deceased) and her children Keliegh, Kierra, and Kaiden. Marlaina Elkins and husband J.D (Quincy, MO) and children Aaliyah and Cameron. Mallory Hevalow and husband Travis (Humansville, MO) and children Meredith and Harlon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Polk County Humane Society.
Services for Wendell will 2:00 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Humansville Cemetery.
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