Samuel C. Stewart

The sun rose for Samuel C. "Big Daddy" Stewart, 71, of Kansas City, MO, formerly of Peoria, on September 23, 1944 and set on April 27, 2016 at 2:59 p.m. when he passed away at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Sam was born to Earnestine and Claudie Stewart in Charleston, MO. Sam joined the Air Force in 1962 and received an honorable discharge. Sam's passion was driving eighteen wheelers and he was an over the road truck driver for many years and escorted wide loads until his illness would no longer permit him to do so. Sam also enjoyed fishing and would fish for hours taking his daughter Teresa with him once he moved to Kansas City. Sam married Suzanne Powell and later married Gerisa Eppinger. Sam leaves to cherish his memories his ex wife and long time friend, Gerisa Kay Eppinger, four daughters, Teresa Stewart of Kansas, MO, Crystal Stewart, Teawana (Ted) Johnson, and Diane Proctor all of Peoria, Illinois; two sons, Claude Stewart III of Holland, MI and Dashon (Keila) Eppinger of Baytown, TX; two sisters, Ella Mae Davis of Peoria and Gloria Stewart of North Carolina; twenty-six grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces nephews, cousins, and family members who adored him, and will miss him terribly. Sam gave his life to Christ at an early age. Sam was a member of St Paul Baptist Church in Peoria, Illinois where he sang in the choir and ushered members. Sam later rededicated his life to Christ at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Detroit, MI where he was baptized and sang in the choir. Sam was preceded in death by his mom Earnestine Stewart, his father Claudie Stewart, his uncle Aurthur Guyton, a great nephew Orlando Davis, a nephew Seneca Davis, a sister Barbara Jean Stewart Davis all of Peoria, his ex-wife Suzanne Stewart, and a great-grandson Ryan McIntosh both of Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, May 6, 2016 at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial with Air Force Funeral Honors will be at Parkview Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is honored to serve the Stewart family. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of his daughter, Crystal Stewart.