Stewart Basil Shacklette

Stewart Basil Shacklette, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on July 31, 2023, at the age of 93. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, giving to others and a life well-lived.

Born on July 15, 1930, in Louisville, KY, Stew was raised in his hometown, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for community service from an early age. He attended Western Kentucky University and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy as a mechanic aboard the USS Diodon submarine. Stew's dedication to his duties and his fellow servicemen earned him the National Defense Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Stew returned to civilian life, and graduated from the University of Louisville in 1961.

Stew was a loving family man. He was first married to Beverly, and together they welcomed their son Jerry Lee into the world. Stew and Beverly laid the foundation for their family before their paths diverged, leading to separate journeys in their lives.

Later, Stew found love and companionship with Geraldine, with whom he shared the joys of raising a family. Together, they continued to build a loving home and raised their children, Michael and the late Darren.

After parting ways with his second wife, Stew was blessed to find love for a third time with Anna Lewis. They shared a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Anna Lewis brought new joy into his life, and together they created a loving and supportive home.

In the later years of his life, Stew found love and companionship with Kathie Buckner. Their love was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and they enjoyed a cherished partnership built on mutual respect and devotion.

In the final years of his life, Stew was fortunate to find love and care from his devoted partner, Kathy Ryan. She stood by his side, providing support and comfort during his health challenges. Kathy's unwavering dedication brought immeasurable comfort and joy to Stew's life.

Throughout his life, Stew's dedication to family extended beyond blood ties, as he also embraced and loved his step-sons, Craig, Troy, Joseph and Phillip and his step-daughters Borgia, Debbie, and the late Jennifer.

Stew was not only a family man but also a passionate square dance caller. Starting in high school, he dedicated over 50 years to calling square dances, bringing joy and laughter to thousands of dancers. In Stew's long calling career he has called at multiple national square dance conventions and served as president of the San Diego, Palomar, and Kentucky Caller Associations. He has called to dancers on roller skates, on horseback and even on planes. He was a true icon in the square dancing community.

His love for dance extended beyond calling, as Stew was the director of the Kentucky Dance Institute (KDI) folk dance camp for over 50 years. Under his leadership and care, KDI became a beacon for sharing a love of dancing and building a strong community of extended family.

Moreover, Stew's passion for preserving dance music of all types led him to co-found the Kentucky Dance Foundation (KDF). Through KDF's efforts, over a million records were amassed, safeguarding the rich musical heritage for generations to come.

Stew's immense contributions and dedication to the art of square and folk dancing amassed him countless awards and accolades. Notably, Stew received the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky and in 2003, he was recognized and honored by the American Square Dance Association when he received the prestigious Lifetime Milestone award. For his devotion to folk dancing, in 2014, the National Folk Organization also bestowed upon him the Preserving our Heritage Award, acknowledging his outstanding efforts in safeguarding countless cultural traditions.

A true pillar of the Louisville community and the square & folk dancing world, Stew was known for his warm smile, welcoming nature, and unwavering dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.

A visitation will be held in Stew's honor on Saturday, August 5th, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fairdale-McDaniel Funeral Home, located at 411 Fairdale Road, Fairdale, KY 40118. The family welcomes friends, relatives, and well-wishers to pay their respects during this time.

The funeral service will follow the visitation at the same location, starting promptly at 7:00 PM. The service will be a tribute to Stew's life and his lasting impact on his family and the community he cherished. Stew will be laid to rest on Monday, August 7th, at 2:00 PM, at Cave Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Kentucky Dance Institute, a cause close to Stew's heart. These contributions will help continue his legacy in promoting the art of dance and supporting the community he deeply cared for: https://kentuckydanceinstitute.org/donate.

Stew Basil Shacklette will be deeply missed by his surviving sons, Michael, Jerry Lee, Craig, and Troy, his beloved grandchildren, Shawn Michael, Amber, Brittney, Chase, Taylor & Parker, his great-grandchildren Lexi, Liam, Logon, Lorelei, Lincoln, Finn and Emma and all whose lives he touched through his love for dance and dedication to the community. His spirit will forever live on in our hearts.