David Lindsey Stewart

March 3, 1929 – June 29, 2025.

David L. Stewart was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and was raised in Riverside, Illinois in the very same apartment his parents once called home – residing all the way to his college years. At the tender age of four, he lost his father, Earl, during a cross-country family road trip—a life-altering moment that shaped his early years and his entire life. His mother, Agnes, never remarried, and David grew up without a father. Perhaps this set his path, which was full of self-determination, intense curiosity, and kindness to others.

Through the Great Depression and World War II, David’s childhood was also marked by humble beginnings -yet moments of hope and inspiration. A neighbor introduced him to basketball, igniting a passion for sports that led David to eventually become captain of his high school basketball team at Riverside-Brookfield High – a tremendous achievement considering his physical disability (bad hip). Sunny summer days found David as a trained lifeguarding at his beloved Indiana Dunes State Park along the southern edge of Lake Michigan. Being a lifeguard was a natural extension of his strong sense of responsibility and care for others.

David went on to study Engineering from Purdue University in Lafyette Indiana, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in structural engineering and architectural detailing. His professional journey brought him to Inland Ryerson, and later to Arizona, where he worked for over twenty years with Don Able Detailing well into his nineties! This was all driven by his intellect, ability to focus on challenging math and details, quiet resilience, and remarkable determination.

His personal life blossomed from unforgettable moments: a chance meeting with Reta Spears at a common friend’s wedding, followed by an unexpected second encounter at a bar where laughter and connection drew them together. They married a year later and raised seven children—five

sons and two daughters. When David married Donna in 2009, he welcomed an additional daughter (Jodie) into his life with joy and gratitude.

A lover of strategic games and social connection, David earned the designation of Lifetime Master in Contract Bridge (Sapphire level). Additionally, it was through bridge that he met Donna, forming a bond that brought love and companionship in his later years.

David will be remembered for his loyalty, gentle humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and passions. He was a man of quiet strength, with stories woven into every corner of a life well-lived.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna (2014) and Reta Stewart Allen (2022)

Most interestingly, David is survived by all eight of his children: David Stewart Jr (70), Daniel Stewart (68), Peter Stewart (66), Maureen Stewart-Hodges (65), Hope Suttles (63), Logan Stewart (61), Jodie Weller (59), and Judson Thomas Stewart (55)—each one a testament to his enduring legacy. He also leaves behind Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will cherish his memory always.