John Stewart, 84, a sports reporter/copy editor with the Columbus Citizen-Journal and Dispatch for 32 years of a 44-year career in journalism, passed away on March 2.
He was born Feb. 28, 1933, in Hinton, W.Va., the youngest son of Charles Manley and Daisy Nelson Stewart.
After he retired from the newspaper business, Stewart wrote freelance articles for harness racing publications and was the maintenance/supervisor of a swimming pool for 10 years. In addition to his long running journalism career, he won several writing awards.
Stewart previously worked at the Hinton (WV) Daily News; Beckley (WV) Post-Herald and Raleigh Register; Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch while attending Marshall University (1960); Wichita Falls (Texas) Times; and Detroit News.
He was an Air Force veteran, member Concordia Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge #11, VFW 4044, Elks Lodge #821, Grove City YMCA and Columbus Men's Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, who provided a breath of fresh air for 27 years of wedded bliss; sons, Dirk and Ted Welch; grandson, Travis Welch; brothers, Charles Jr., Robert, James, and William Oliver; sisters, Daisy Whanger, Helena Williams, Margaret Pollock, Jane McCulty and infant Nan; and sister-in-law, Shirley Ciszek. He is survived by a daughter, Debra (Craig) Sothard; daughter-in-law, Judy Welch; brother-in-law, Terry Donaldson; sister-in-law, Mary Lou; grandchildren, Dirk Schillinger, Andrea Scott, Christopher Burk, Chad (Jessica) Sothard, Cindi (Steven) Edwards, Craig ‘Boomer’ (Kelly) Sothard, Timothy Welch, Stephanie Welch and Wyatt Welch; great-grandchildren, Tylar Fultz, Hannah Scott, Mark Scott, Layla Jayne and Steven Russell ‘Trip’ Edwards, Emmah Leeann Sothard, twins, Ryleigh Renee and Braxton Scott Sothard, Bennett Austin Welch, and Adele Marie Harris; great-great grandson, Ryder Lee Fultz; special friends, David Hess and Shirley McCarter; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Friends may call at Jerry Spears Funeral Home with crematory, 2693 W. Broad St., on March 8 from 4-7 p.m. with a service to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Ohio Heart Association.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Stewart.
(USTA)