Hal Stewart, 66
Hal Stewart, age 66 of Lenox passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at his home in Lenox. Hal Stewart’s final round was held with family greeting friends Sunday, March 14, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at the Lenox Community Center. A short Prayer Service followed by a Committal Service was held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Following the committal, a time of food and fellowship was held at the Lenox Country Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given in Hal’s name. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuenralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Hal Wayne Stewart was born January 21, 1955 in Corning, Iowa to Carlton and Maxine (Young) Stewart. Hal passed away suddenly March 9, 2021 at his home in Lenox, Iowa. Hal was raised on the farm in rural Prescott, Iowa. He graduated high school in 1973 from Prescott Community School. Following high school Hal attended Southwestern Community College and played baseball. He married Linda Dianna Kingery July 10, 1976. To this marriage they had three children, Stacy Lee born March 16, 1983, Daniel Parker born March 19, 1985, and Christopher Cole born November 24, 1986. They later divorced.
Hal’s life was all about sports. He loved every sport and was a huge Cubs fan. He played baseball and basketball all through high school and continued into college with baseball. Following college Hal played softball for many years. He loved playing softball with all the guys, he played for Akin Lumber out of Corning, IA for several years and they traveled to a different tournament every weekend. Later in his softball career he played with the Diggers out of the Fontanelle, Massena area, along with many other teams throughout the years. About 12 years ago his boys purchased him a set of golf clubs for Christmas, and from that day on, you knew where you could find Hal…at the golf course. He developed a love for the game of golf, and he had gotten to be a really good golfer.
Another thing that Hal loved was coaching. He loved to teach young kids how to play ball and he was really good at it. He coached all sports at Lenox High School, along with little league at Prescott and Corning. In recent years Hal loved to travel with his special friend Carol. They traveled multiple places, New York City, Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and to multiple different baseball stadiums to name a few places. He really enjoyed this time of his life.
Hal is survived by his sons Daniel, wife Melanie of Lenox, and Chris Stewart of New Market. Grandchildren Parker and Garner Stewart, Denvir Reed of Lenox, Cole and Ava Stewart of New Market. Sisters Judy Combs and husband Don of Bloomfield, and Marilyn Routh of Whiting. Nephews Tony and Edward Routh of Whiting, IA, Jeffery Combs of Stockton, California, and Victor Combs of Pulaski, IA. Special friend, Carol Clair of Altoona, Iowa.
Hal is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Stacy; and brother-in-law Bernard Routh.
We will forever hold Hal’s memory in our hearts.
May he be at peace in God’s loving care.
