Robert William (Bill) Stewart

Funeral services for Robert William (Bill) Stewart, 81, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at Union Grove General Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Stewart passed away peacefully Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Ozarks Healthcare.

He was born October 22, 1943, in Norfork, Arkansas, to Howard and Ruby (Killian) Stewart, and grew up knowing the value of hard work, resourcefulness and always lending a hand when someone needed it.  On September 25, 1976, Bill married the love of his life, Rita (Fox) Stewart.  For nearly 49 years, they built a life full of love, laughter and simple joys – from raising their family to enjoying popcorn dates and evenings on the porch.  Bill spent most of his working life in construction, where his skill and work ethic earned the respect of everyone who knew him.  He also enjoyed driving a school bus for Fairview School for many years.  He loved gardening, working puzzles, reading old westerns and putting his ingenuity to work finding creative ways to fix just about anything.  In earlier years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle.  One of his favorite recent accomplishments was finishing a remodel with Josh, a project they were proud to complete together.  Bill was a man of few words, but his grin – especially when watching his grandkids or sharing a laugh, spoke louder than anything he could say.  He served faithfully as a deacon at Union Grove General Baptist Church, leading with kindness, humility and generosity.  Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, his quiet strength and the way his smile lit up around those he loved most.  His legacy will live on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. 

Bill was a proud dad to Joshua Riley Stewart and wife, Rachel, and to his late son, Jeremiah Stewart.  He was “Papa” to Jakob Stewart and wife, Montanna, Symin Stewart and fiancée, Kynslee Burgess and Sheppard Stewart – and he was over the moon about meeting his first great-grandson, Tommie Stewart, due soon to Jakob and Montanna.  He is also survived by his brother, Dick Stewart and sister-in-law, Norma Stewart. 

His parents, one infant son, Jeremiah Stewart, in-laws, Virginia and Allen (Dall) Fox and one brother, Fred Stewart, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Union Grove General Baptist Church.  Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.