Michael Stewart

Borne to parents Paul Stewart and Bessie Keyees in Paxville, WV, Mike got an interesting start to life. During a visit with her sister Jean, Bessie went into labor with Mike so quickly they couldn’t get her onto the bed before he came, headfirst, with the cord around his neck—right into his Aunt Jean’s hands. Given the circumstances of his birth, the doctor feared Mike wouldn’t make it. However, by the time the next morning rolled around he was fine and perfect in every way babies are, saved by his Aunt Jean, a fact that she never let anyone forget in her 94 years.

After such an interesting start Mike lived a fairly quiet life, he served our country as a United States Marine, had four children, and married his wife, Trina Stewart. A true mountaineer he supported his family as part of the backbone of West Virginia—driving trucks for the coal and logging industries. Hardworking and humble it can be said there wasn’t a coal company or logging outfit he didn’t work for. In his free time, he enjoyed going ginsengin’ and keeping a garden with his wife, but his passion was music shown with not only his vocals but by his incredible playing of one of the most important musical instruments known to man, the bass guitar.

As a born again Christian he was met at the pearly gates by his parents, Paul and Bessie, and sister Peggy Cook.

Left here to cherish his memory are his siblings, Eva Stewart, Donna Stewart, Mitch Stewart, Bobby Stewart, and Sissy Roberts; his beloved wife Trina Stewart; children Debbie Boutwell, Michael Stewart, Jeffrey Stewart, and Ashleigh Stewart; 12 grandchildren he loved dearly, and a special friend Jay Asbury.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home of Beckley, WV, has the privilege of honoring Mike’s final wishes to be cremated. A memorial service to honor his life will be held by the family at a later date when the weather better reflects the sunshine, he brought to everyone’s life.