Michael Stewart *

SPRINGFIELD – Michael “Mike” Edward Stewart, 78 of Springfield, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Aug. 17, in Springfield, to the late John Edward and Rhoda (Deeter) Stewart. Mike was a 1964 graduate of Northwestern High School, where he excelled in baseball and football. Following graduation, he began a 31-year career as a CNC Machinist at Speco Corp., while working alongside his father-in- on the farm and in home construction. After retiring from Speco, he became an independent insurance agent for McMann Smoot Riddle Insurance, until he retired in .

Mike was deeply involved in his community, holding memberships in several organizations. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge #101, the Springfield Lions Club, the VFW as a lifetime member, and the Elks Lodge #51. In his leisure time, Mike found joy playing in softball leagues and tournaments, hitting the golf course, and cheering on his favorite teams – the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds. Above all, Mike treasured moments with his family, which brought him the greatest happiness in life.

He is survived by his daughters, Shaun (Mark) Muirhead and Joy (Steve) Karnehm; brothers, Steve (Jackie) Stewart and Bryan “Kent” (Susan) Stewart; grandchildren, Amanda (Stephen) Byrd, Patrick (Maggie) Fraley, Grant () Thurman, Bethany Belville, and Heather (Brandon) ; great-grandchildren, Lauren Anne Byrd, Miles Belville, Tori Jane Belville, August “Gus” Thurman, and Eisley Thurman; his former wife and mother of his children, Betty “BJ” Stewart; former son-in-law, Bryan Thurman; sister-in-law, Betty Stewart; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents; his mother- and father-in-law, and Anna Humble; as well as his brother, Stewart.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 at VERNON FUNERAL HOMES, Urbana, Ohio. An Elks service will be held at 3:30 p.m.. provided by Elks Lodge #51.

Condolences be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.

Published by Urbana Daily Citizen from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2024.