Eugene M. Stewart

Eugene Michael Stewart, 75, of Mt. Pleasant, left his earthly home to go be with his God and family on Friday, April 5, 2024.

 Gene was born on June 5, 1948, in rural Cass County, Illinois, the son of Alfred and Evelean (Mayhew) Stewart.  Gene graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in the class of 1966. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his country from 1968 until 1972, doing a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968 until 1969.  Gene was united in marriage to Pamela Mills on October 18, 1969, then returned to California after marriage, where he had two years left at Camp Pendleton.  They settled in California until his retirement in 2003 from the United States Postal Service as a Postmaster in Los Olivos, California.   

 Gene was blessed with many loving family members from both His and Pamela’s families and friends from wherever he lived.  He was a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend to all who were in his life.  His greatest pleasure was to do something for someone, always ready to help or just give his love or be there to support and encourage.  He loved his family and friends with his whole heart.  He loved to mow and maintain his property in Mt. Pleasant, having hosted many family parties and class reunions for his and Pamela’s classmates.  He loved showing off his property and having people come see it.   He enjoyed fishing, woodworking in his woodshop, taking road trips with Pamela and just seeing the many beautiful places in the United States. Gene was active in his community.  He served on the Salem East Cemetery Board, was part of the construction and fundraising for the Crew Public Library in Salem and was a vital part in the Salem Veterans Memorial project.  

 He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pamela, his sisters, Maxine (Larry) Freeman of Bettendorf, Iowa, Wanda (Neil) Watts of Burlington, Iowa, Sandi (Ron) Benge of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Brenda Baker (Brent Rodriquez) of Cottonwood, Arizona, his brothers, Jim (Mary Anne) Stewart of Rock Island, Illinois, Rick (Holly) Stewart of Coal Valley, Illinois, Don Stewart of Denmark, Iowa, along with many very loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Sterling Stewart, Jerry and his wife Ardith Stewart, Willie and his wife Mary Lou Stewart and Robert Stewart.

 A Celebration of Gene’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Salem Congregational Church with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating.  Friends may call at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 1 until 6 p.m. where the family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions in Gene’s honor may be directed to the Salem East Cemetery in his memory.

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