Charles "Chuck" Stewart

Charles “Chuck” A. Stewart, 89, of rural Hanna City, entered into eternal rest at 8:01 p.m. on December 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family. Chuck was born to Dan and Josephine (Ball) Stewart on July 24, 1936, in Terre Haute, IN, during the hottest summer month on record. He joined his sister, Marcella Stewart (Patton) and his older brother, Estel Stewart as the youngest sibling. His family later moved to Peoria, IL, where he attended Roosevelt Jr. High and Manual Training High School, graduating in 1954. He worked full-time at Bishop’s Buffet during high school, joined the Army Reserves, and then worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in several departments in East Peoria and Mossville. He retired from Caterpillar after 38 years. He met and married Susan Finnie, his wife of 23 years, in 2002. She survives. Chuck had a fascination with anything mechanical, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, trains, planes, and ships. He had a particular interest in American military history, especially World War II, during which he grew up. He could effortlessly remember historical dates and events. He was very patriotic, revered the flag, and had special respect for veterans. He especially enjoyed the Indianapolis 500 with his family. His favorite place was home, outside on his acreage, where he loved gardening, raising fruit trees, and canning. He renovated his barn and made many home improvements. He could fix just about anything and loved to collect his many tools. He also took in several orphaned cats in the 40 years he lived in Hanna City, leaving behind Winnie, Buddy, and Poopsie. Surviving are his wife, Susan of Hanna City; his son, David (Amanda) Stewart of Ft. Wayne, IN; his daughter, Christine (Ted) Bailey of Galesburg, IL; Brian Fowler of Farmington, IL, Julie (Steve) Helmuth of Washington, IL; two nephews, Jimmy (Penny) Patton and Dennis Patton; and one niece, Lori Curley. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Kylee Stoneking, Jesse Helmuth, Elijah Bailey, Matthew Stewart, and Meredith Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marcella and her husband; and his brother, Estel and his wife. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Stray Animal Midway Shelter (SAMS) at 328 S. Pinkerton Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Charles "Chuck" Stewart

July 24, 1936 - December 22, 2025