Obituary of Paul Stewart

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” - Cornelia ten Boom Paul Stewart, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, shared his appreciation and respect of people, a helpful, civic-minded spirit, and many gifts and talents during his 63 years. Paul was a life-long learner and gifted teacher and mentor to many whether in his home, business, during hunter’s safety courses or in his local Masonic Chapter. He lived, by example, a life of integrity, kindness and generosity. He will always be loved and deeply missed. Funeral services for Paul Gene Stewart, age 63, of Sulphur Springs will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2011, at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Stinson officiating. Interment will follow at Greenview Cemetery with Masonic brothers Phillip Therwhanger, Cody Stewart, Chuck Sickles, Wayne Davenport, Andrew Dalrymple, Phil Darity, Dennis Findley and grandson, Geoffrey Stewart serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Masonic Lodge #221, friends Bill Bailey, Rex O’Dell, Jerry Wayne Blount, Jeremy O’Dell, Wayne Henegar and Bill Campbell. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2011, at West Oaks Funeral Home. Mr. Stewart passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler. Mr. Stewart was born on February 19, 1948 in Commerce, TX, the son of Russell Neal and Bessie Nell (Mayes) Stewart. He married Barbara Weaver and she survives. Mr. Stewart owned and operated Paul Stewart State Farm Insurance Agency. He was an agent for over 32 years. Mr. Stewart was a member of the Masonic Lodge #221 as well as a Scottish Rite Mason. He was awarded the Golden Trowel in 1995 and was a Past Master in 1986 and currently served as Treasurer. Paul was most recently the recipient of the Mason’s Lifetime Membership Award for Lodge #221. He served as president of the Tax Appraisal District, Treasurer of the Cumby Cemetery Association. Mr. Stewart is survived by one son, Stephen Stewart and wife Gina of Central City, IA, daughter, Stephanie Stewart of Sulphur Springs, TX, grandson, Geoffrey Stewart of Sulphur Springs, TX, brother, Ronald Stewart and wife Ruth of Klondike, TX, sisters, Judy Castleberry and husband Pete of San Antonio, TX, Nancy Melton of Cumby, TX, Patty Tarrant and husband Jerry of Campbell, TX, brother-in-law, Ernie Weaver and wife Vickie of Point, TX, sisters-in-law, Jo Elaine Ragan and husband J.W. of Sulphur Springs, and Lana Mabe and husband Larry of Brashear, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital at www.tsrhc.org. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com