Robert E. Stewart, age 76, of Early died Sunday evening at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene following a short illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Medley, pastor of the Early First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Eastlawn Memorial Park with a visitation following at the Early United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

He was born May 6, 1937 in Brown County, the son of the late Williard “Bill” and Ione Ashley Stewart.  Following his graduation from high school, he attended Howard Payne College and later joined the U. S. Navy in 1956 and served as an Electronics Technician.  He married Nancy Chesser in Brownwood on December 16, 1960.  He operated Stewart Sales and Service for 18 years after working 33 years for GTE.

Robert served his community in a number of organizations having served on the Early School Board for 12 years, serving as President for 9 years, the Board of Directors of the Brown County Appraisal District, on the Appraisal revue board of the Brown County Appraisal District, and on the Board of Directors of Region 15 Education Service Center.  He also served on many committees at the Early First United Methodist Church and helped to build the new activity center.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Early

2 Daughters, Nannell Mooney and husband Pat of Early

Tammy Poole and husband Jerry of Brownwood

5 Grandchildren, Chance Mooney, Matthew Mooney,  Michael Mooney, Justin Poole and Ashely Poole

Brother – Frank Stewart and wife Jean of Cedar Hill

Sister –JoAnn Brooks and husband John of San Antonio

Numerous nieces, nephew, and cousins also survive

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Stewart.

The family request memorials be made to the Early United Methodist Church.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net