Dwight (Pooch) Stewart, 84, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 8:12 pm on July 11, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia following a brief illness. Pooch was born on December 1, 1936 in rural McClellan Township to the late Paul and Clara Stewart.
Pooch married Martha Sue Smith, who survives, on May 20, 1961 and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Wade and Lauren Stewart of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Paul and Patty Stewart of LaGrange, Kentucky. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Tyler Stewart of LaGrange, Kentucky, John Stewart of Monroe, Louisiana, Matthew Stewart of Durham, North Carolina, Scott Stewart of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Abigail Stewart of Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his sister Kay Puckett and husband Mick of Mount Vernon, and brother David, also of Mount Vernon, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Pooch was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenny, and sisters Doris England and Glenda Lunn.
As a child, Pooch attended Hickory Hill School in McClellan Township and later graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School and served as an airman in the United States Navy.
Pooch served as commander of American Legion Post 141 for three terms. He enjoyed quail hunting, especially with his dogs Rosie, Duke, and Caesar. He savored his battles with the local groundhog family behind the barn, aided by his faithful dog Daisy. He enjoyed raising a garden every year and sitting under the shade tree after working in the garden. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon.
Pooch’s favorite pastime was telling stories. In particular, he loved telling stories about his days at Hickory Hill School, his time in the navy, and of various misadventures with his brother Dave and his brother-in-law Mick.
The family wishes to thank all friends and family who have helped out over the past few years, with special thanks to Ron and Susan Gajewski.
A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am, Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 am at the funeral home with Mr. Wade Stewart officiating. Inurnment will follow at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Flag Presentation will be conducted at the cemetery by Ron Gajewski, a member of the Mount Vernon American Legion Post 141.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the South Hickory Hill Cemetery Foundation.
Please call Hughey Funeral Home at (618)242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.