Charles David Steward

Charles David Steward, 86, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on July 31, 2026, with his loving family by his side, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, hard work, and devotion to his family.

Charles was born on November 19, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to William Stanton Steward and Mary Margaret Ellis Steward. Later in life, his family moved to Lyford, Texas, where he attended high school before continuing his education at Texas Tech University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

After marrying the love of his life, Emma Pipkin Steward, Charles and Emma made their home in Mississippi, where they built a marriage that would span 60 beautiful years. Charles spent his career as a heavy earth-moving equipment mechanic, a trade that reflected the man he was — steady, skilled, and dependable. In the latter years of his career, he became a service writer and office manager, and he retired from G & W Diesel.

A devout Catholic, Charles lived his faith quietly and genuinely in the way he treated others. To know Charles was to know one of the kindest men you could ever meet. He greeted everyone with a smile, and no matter what was going on in his own life, he always wanted to know how you were doing. His warmth touched everyone around him, and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply their beloved Pawpaw.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Emma Pipkin Steward; his son, David Steward, and wife Callie of Southaven, Mississippi; his daughter, Emily Doughty, and fiancé Brian of Southaven, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Austin Doughty and wife Kelsi of Ferriday, Louisiana, and Adrian Lewis and husband Justin of Hernando, Mississippi; his great-grandchildren, Levi, Liza, Lowe, and John Bradley; and his sister, Nancy DuBuque, and husband Marvin of Hillsboro, Missouri, and their children, John Joseph and Mary Catherine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Stanton Steward and Mary Margaret Ellis Steward.

Services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, 205 N. Stoddard St., Sikeston, Missouri. Visitation for family will begin at 10:00 a.m., with visitation for friends from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Charles's memory.

Charles will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his easy smile, and the genuine care he showed to everyone whose life he touched. His love lives on in the family he cherished so dearly.