Robert Dale “Bobby” Stewart, 67, of Bedford, went to his eternal home on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 6:35 am surrounded by loved ones at his home. Like a true soldier, he fought his battle with cancer, complicated by a stroke, with courage until he could fight no more. Bobby surely heard his Savior say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” as he entered heaven.
He was strong in his Christian faith and was an ordained deacon. He attended Spice Valley Baptist Church in Mitchell, IN. He held many titles, including son, brother, husband, dad, papaw, soldier, and friend. By far his favorite title was papaw.
He spent 38 years in the Indiana Army National Guard, Company B 113 Support Bn and was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was also employed as an Army Technician at Stout Field in Indianapolis for 27 years. He retired in December of 2014 as an automotive shop supervisor at CSMS1.
Bobby was a skilled woodworker. After retirement, he used those skills to make several pieces of wood furniture and some smaller projects also. He donated a few of those pieces to be raffled off by the Lawrence County Veterans Group. He enjoyed helping cook at local churches’ free community breakfast events. He also cooked and volunteered at the Men’s Warming Shelter/ SPIN program. He has a special place in his heart for the elderly and for people who are struggling. Early in his life, he struggled, and he never forgot the people who stood by him through those hard times. It was his faith in God, most of all, that got him through.
Bobby was born in Lawrence County on November 2, 1958, to Adrian D. and Sandra C. (Thomas) Stewart. He married his wife Jerri Lynn (Baker) on June 10, 1978, and they had 48 years together. He is survived by his wife Jerri, mother Sandra, sons Matthew K. Stewart and Michael J. (Brittany) Stewart; four grandchildren Gavin Matthew, Jace Michael, Oaklee Mae, and Savannah Stewart; an Aunt Harriett Riley and Uncle Lanny Riley;
Brother-in-law Jay R. (Jennifer) Baker; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father; mother-in-law Georgianna (Tolliver) Baker and father-in-law Gerald R. (Jerry) Baker.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am on Wednesday, July 29th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Roger Allen and Mark Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Visitation will be from 4 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services or The Men’s Warming Shelter. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
