Earl Lee Stewart, 74 of St. Joseph, MO passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Andrew County on Sunday, July 19, 2026.  He was born January 13, 1952 to Vernon "Pete" & Lois (Septer) Stewart.  He married Rosanne Hribal in Creston, IA on October 15, 1976 and she survives of the home.

Earl grew up in Corning, IA. He graduated from Graceland College in Lamonia with a bachelor's degree in physical education and coaching. He excelled in most physical activities but found his gift in wrestling. Where he metaled in many tournaments. That gift carried over into coaching wrestling in Creston, and then for Central High school in St. Joe. He transitioned to welding and started working for BNSF railroad where he worked for 35 years and was also the treasurer for the Maintenance of Way Rail Road Union. Earl loved being outside every opportunity he could get. He became an avid walker in his retirement and would walk the road in front of his country home religiously; rain, snow or shine. He was every bit the family man in the sense of protector, provider, and straight shooter. He had a very special relationship with his only grandchild and cherished every moment he spent with her. He remembered fondly the stories of many camping trips with his wife and children and other vacations.

Survivors include his wife; children, Amanda Kelly of Savannah, MO, Arin (Carl) Arens of St. Joseph, and Adam Stewart of Kansas City, MO; and granddaughter, Raya Kelly, and several brothers/ sisters in-law, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and son-in-law

Visitation and family receiving hour will be 1:00pm – 2:00pm Friday July 24, 2026 at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home in Savannah, MO.  Memorial services will be 2:00pm Friday July 24, 2026 at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions can be made to The Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter 701 Lower Lake Road St. Joseph, MO 64504 / https://petforu.com/donate/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place  Memphis, TN 38105 / https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now  Arrangements entrusted to Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home in Savannah.