Jerry Lee Stewart, 82, of Wellsville, passed away at 4:16 a.m., Wednesday October 7, 2026, at his home in Wellsville.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Jerry was born May 8, 1944, in Mexico (Audrain County). He was the son of Vernon and Ruth (Erwin) Stewart. On March 4, 1972, he married Bonnie Kay Lovelace at the Christian Church in Laddonia.
Jerry was a graduate of Wellsville-Middletown High School in 1962.
Jerry was a veteran, having served in the United States Army, and was a life member of the Wellsville VFW. He spent most of his working years in manufacturing, including approximately 20 years at A.B. Chance. He also worked at CE Refractories in Vandalia and H.K. Porter in Fulton. In addition, Jerry owned and operated his own mowing business.
Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church in Wellsville. He was very active in his community, having served as both a member and president of the Jaycees and the Optimist Club. He had a great love for sports, especially slow-pitch softball, which he continued playing well into his 40s. Along with A.J. Briscoe, he helped organize numerous softball tournaments for the Wellsville Athletic Association. Jerry enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s school activities and all their sporting events. Another highlight was watching his son-in-law coach and win a state title with Silex girls softball and be a state final four contender with Silex basketball.
Jerry also enjoyed spending time visiting with friends at the bar in Wellsville that he owned and operated. Sports were often the favorite topic of conversation. He was especially passionate about football and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. His loyalty to the Cowboys often led to some good-natured teasing and friendly banter with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Bonnie of the home; one son Jason Sean Stewart, of Wellsville; two daughters, Kimberly Renae James (Robert) of Silex and Kari Kay Griffen (Michael Eckler) of Wellsville; eight grandchildren, Alex Everett Stewart, Austin Dean Oberhaus, Haley Alexis James, Alena Alexandria Griffen, Ashley Mackenzie James, Alivia Grace Stewart, Cameron Joseph Griffen and Jordan Trey James; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver Stewart, and Hunter Dean Oberhaus; as well as numerous extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Faye Froelich; and brother, Freddie Wayne Stewart.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to either the Wellsville VFW Post 3056, or to the Helen Reagan Cancer Fund. They may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.
Condolences may be given at myersfuneralhome.biz.
