1/5/1947 – 3/20/2026
Lawrence
Edwin Charles Stewart, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Born January 5, 1947, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Leah Grace (Cover) and Wilbur Dean Stewart. Ed grew up in Highland, Kansas, where he embraced life fully—excelling in sports, music, and friendships. A standout athlete at 6’5, he played basketball in high school and at Highland Community College, earning Hall of Fame Honors. He continued at Pittsburg State University, where he received his degree in Psychology and went on to earn his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Ed’s life was defined by connection, adventure, and family. He spent years in Anchorage, Alaska, raising five of his seven children, building a house with the help of his four brothers, singing in a barbershop quartet, and enjoying basketball and cross-country skiing. He later returned to Kansas, where his last two children were born and where he continued his career supporting and uplifting others, retiring from the State of Kansas in 2012.
In 1994, Ed met the love of his life, Carol, and together they built a life full of travel, laughter, and devotion to their large, blended family. They shared 32 years together.
Ed was a natural-born dad—loving, present, and endlessly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He believed deeply in the power of humor and was a lifelong jokester, known for his warm hugs, playful spirit, and ability to make any moment lighter. He loved music (especially classic country), basketball, fireworks, good food, and time spent with family—especially at Christmas, his favorite time of year.
He was a devoted husband, a loyal brother, a kind friend, and an extraordinary father. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was the family he created.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Patrick. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol, daughter Mary Meinholz (Joseph) Prescott, Arizona, grandchildren: Peter, Matthew and Elizabeth; daughter Melinda Valentini (Adrian) Wheat Ridge, Colorado; daughter Jo Anna Brown, St Louis, Missouri, grandchildren: Layla, Hadleigh, Abbygail and Tristann Wooten (Conner) Benton, Arkansas, great-grandchildren: Brady and Beckham; daughter Stephanie Koehler (Chris) Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren Elliot, Arlo and Gracie; son Tim Stewart (Doris) Wake Forest, North Carolina; daughter Katie Hemphill (Justin) Bauxite, Arkansas; grandchild Ronin; stepdaughter Julie Lambert (Tim) Medford, Massachusetts, grandchildren: Calvin Neville and Desmond (Ellie); stepdaughter Jill Boren (Curtis) Kansas City, Kansas, grandchildren: Rylee and Kayle; brothers and their families Dave Stewart (Connie) Overland Park, Kansas; Bob Stewart (Tammy) Dripping Springs, Texas; Paul Stewart (Julie) Wichita, Kansas, and Kenny Stewart (Diane) Highland, Kansas.
The visitation will be held from 4–6 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS. Ed will lie in state from 1-2 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, followed by the Celebration of Life from 2 – 4 pm all at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or Douglas County Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St STE C, Lawrence, KS 66044. To leave a message for Ed’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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