Obituaries

Lawrence Michael Stewart

Photo of Lawrence Michael Stewart
COLONEL (RETIRED) LAWRENCE MICHAEL "MIKE" STEWART, age 74, passed away Nov. 15, 2014. Born July 10, 1940, in Camden, Ark. to the late George W. and Norma Jewel Stewart. Mike graduated from Fordyce High School in 1958 and then attended Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) on a football scholarship, graduating in 1962 with a BS in social studies. He joined the Arkansas National Guard, serving 31 years, attaining the rank of Colonel. Several accomplishments include Commander 2-153 Infantry, Executive Officer 39th Infantry Brigade and Commandant of Arkansas Military Academy. Colonel Stewart was a graduate of U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a graduate of the United States Army War College. Some of his decorations/awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, American Spirit Honor Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge and Humanitarian Service Medal. Colonel Stewart worked full time for Army National Guard serving in numerous roles at Battalion, Brigade and State Headquarters level. Those assignments included Administrative Officer 3-153 Infantry, Administrative Officer 39th Separate Infantry Brigade, Superintendent Arkansas Military Academy and Military Program Manager for Arkansas Youth Challenge Program. Upon his retirement, Mike was selected as the director of the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program serving in that capacity for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, Dena G. Stewart; son, Colonel John M. Stewart "Mickey" (Kelly) of Vilonia; son, Kris L. Stewart (Delma) of Hope; son, Allen N. Stewart (Allison) of North Little Rock; daughter, Lisa Gann of North Little Rock. Grandchildren: Brittany Tipler, Lauren Melton (John), Jake Stewart (Ashley), Sarah Cunningham, Presley Stewart, Neely Stewart and two great-grandsons. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and a loyal friend to all who knew him. He loved life and never met a stranger. His passions included spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and the Razorbacks. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, AR, with Chaplin Jackie Ryan officiating. Visitation on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR (501) 791-7400. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

Published November 17, 2014

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