Stuart “Stu” Brittain Countryman, age 73, of Westfield, Indiana, passed peacefully surrounded by his family. He joined the love of his life, Alice M. Bowman Countryman and family and friends in Heaven on November 7, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born August 3, 1948 in Topeka, KS, the third child of Dr. Frank W. Countryman (deceased) and Betty Ann (Kosters) Countryman (deceased), Stuart was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana with his two sisters, Marianne and Lisa, and his three brothers, Frank Jr., Phil (deceased), and Chris.
Stuart graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic grade school where he was a member of BSA Troop 174 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His educational journey continued at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, where he joined the first group of students to attend the school and became a member of the inaugural graduating class of 1966. These four transformative years were highlighted by life-long friendships and the development of a love of service to his family and fellow mankind. Stuart was incredibly grateful for his fellow classmates, the Jesuit priests and brothers, and the teachers, coaches and staff that impacted him during his time at Brebeuf Jesuit. The Brebeuf motto “Men for Others” (the school was all male at the time) provided a guiding principle that Stuart followed throughout his life. He matriculated to Purdue University and graduated with a degree in psychology and a minor in math.
He was a successful and proud business owner of Hoosier Badge, where he employed many family and friends. He took great pride in providing high-quality products, trophies and awards to make any occasion special. The personalized service he delivered fostered loyal customers, many of whom became friends. There was nothing he was prouder of than his children and grandchildren, and nothing made Stuart happier than helping them or spending time with them. Spending time assisting with home renovation projects, teaching do-it-yourself skills or working in their yards, no task was too large or small for him. He mastered home improvement before HGTV or internet resources were available. Whether sipping a glass of Maker's Mark or a pull off of his mug of Dos XX Amber, Stuart treasured conversations with his family and friends. Stuart had a servant’s heart, was a true man for others and would gladly give the shirt off his back to a stranger. His generosity knew no limits. If you were a friend or relative of Stu Countryman, you had a friend for life.
Stuart was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice and is survived by his fiancée, Carol King Moeller, and children, Brad (Eileen), Heather O’Brien (Matt), John, Nick (Cyndi), and Peter (Missy), and grandchildren Olivia, Patrick, and Katie Countryman, Alice, Andrew, and Evan O’Brien, Joseph, Caroline, Anna, Emma, and Betsy Countryman, Lucas and Natalie Countryman, Will, Alex, Josh and David Countryman, and Carol’s family Mike (Emily) Moeller and Justin Moeller, and Noah and Claire Moeller.
The family would like to thank Stuart’s caregivers who provided compassionate care throughout his illness. Family and friends will gather on Friday, November 12th for visitation from 5-8 PM in the chapel of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, 2801 W. 86th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 13th at 11 AM, also in the Brebeuf Jesuit chapel. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stuart’s name to Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com.
