SJay Stewart, 85 of Carlinville, died Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his home in Carlinville.
The family is planning a private celebration of life.
Mr. Stewart was born Jan. 11, 1939, in Girard, a son of Wendell and Deloris Imogene Hull Stewart. He married Beth Gardner Boward, in Palmyra on May 29, 1994 and she survives.
Mr. Stewart served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He farmed and raised livestock for over four decades. He also invented and patented a piglet holder and a long-handled pig marker. At one time he was the largest single hog farmer in Macoupin county. He later graduated from the police academy and served 13 years as a police officer ending his law enforcement career as Chief of Police in Girard. Following retirement, he worked at Freedom Chevrolet in Virden. He founded the Farm Law Institute in the mid 80’s to assist farmers in saving family farms and during that time he wrote and published the book “Land Patents”. He enjoyed various types of hunting, and he spent many hours searching for and collecting arrowheads. Mr. Stewart loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife, Beth Stewart of Carlinville; daughters, Jill (Rod) Kreoger of Waverly, Kelly (William) Dennis of Pawnee and Kasey (Mark) Emery of Palmyra; stepdaughters, Deana (significant other Eddie Ray) Jones of Carlinville and Amy (Scott) Weidhuner of Athens; sisters, Shirley Olsen of Malad, IN, and Charlene (Terry) Harmon; grandsons, Zach (Melissa) Dennis and Michael Jones; granddaughters, Courtney (Landon) Weitekamp, Tabatha Weidhuner, Kristy Weidhuner and Izzy McCarthy; and great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Blakely, Jaron, Beau, Blaire, Benjamin and Lane.
Mr. Stewart was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Stewart and sister, Dee Stewart; and granddaughter, Emily Dennis.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s and Shriner’s Children Hospital. Condolences may be left at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.
