Richard R. Stewart

Richard R. “Dick” Stewart, age 84, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly Sunday morning in his home. Born at New Philadelphia, August 17, 1924, he was a son of the late Cora M. Aebersold Stewart Scott and Ralph Stewart. Dick was a 1941 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He went on to study at the Iowa State Teacher’s college before entering the United States Army Air Force. On August 4, 1945, Dick married the former Ethelyn “Peg” Dixon in Flagstaff, Arizona. Together, they’ve traveled widely across the United States, operated a business, and reared four children, and spoiled grandchildren along their sixty-three years of marriage. Dick and Peg settled in New Philadelphia following his honorable discharge in 1948. He briefly worked as a logger before joining his step-father’s company; Scott Supply Inc. which today is operated by Dick and Peg’s sons. Active in the community, Dick has been a Boy Scout since the age of 12, and was active in scouting activities as recent as this past summer. Dick, his sons and grandsons, are all members of Troop # 90 of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. A former member of New Philadelphia City Council, the New Philadelphia Elk’s Lodge and the American Legion, Dick had focused his efforts recently upon the Rotary Club of New Philadelphia, where he has been an active member for nearly twenty-five years. Dick was instrumental in the re-creation of Storybook Lane along the Al Maloney Midway at Tuscora Park, even working over the past Thanksgiving holiday to ensure all of the moving parts were in good repair, including the readying of Humpty Dumpty for his “great fall” throughout December. He also was a regular volunteer in assembling and maintaining the ride equipment for RTY in its early years. In 2006, Dick was honored as the First Town Days Parade Marshall, in part, due to his dedication to Storybook Lane and the many children who have enjoyed this Christmas tradition over the years.Traveling the country, rock hounding obscure gems and minerals with his wife, fishing trips to Canada, and camping with his family and scouts were among his favorite pastimes. Dick also enjoyed playing golf and geology. He was a member of the Stark County Gem & Mineral Club and the Family Motor Coach Association.Dick leaves behind a family, that, in addition to his wife; Peg, of New Philadelphia, includes three sons; Richard Stewart of Apache Junction, Arizona, Gary (wife Diana) Stewart and Steven (wife Ellen) Stewart, both of New Philadelphia, and a daughter; Bonny Wilson, also of New Philadelphia. He’ll be sadly missed by his three grandchildren; Daniel Wilson of New Philadelphia, Ryan (wife Jamie) Stewart of Dover, and Sara Stewart of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. A sister-in-law, Charol (husband John) Durica of Costa Mesa, California, a brother-in-law, Jerome (wife Luella) Dixon of Big Fork, Montana, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins complete the family. In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by his step-father, William Scott. Friends are invited to call Wednesday, December 3, from 2-4 and from 6-8PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will lead Mr. Stewart’s memorial service Thursday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Inurnment, with military honors, will follow, in the New Cumberland Cemetery. Following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop # 90, in care of First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to the Salvation Army, 301 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622. Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibcares.com