Charles L. “Charlie” “Booney” Stewart, 77, of Festus, formerly of Farmington, died July 17, 2024, at de Greeff Hospice house in St. Louis. Mr. Stewart was a 1965 graduate of Farmington High School. He earned an associate’s degree in arts at Mineral Area College, a bachelor of science degree at Southeast Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in social work at St. Louis University. He received the MSW, ACSW and LCSW certifications in social work. He retired after 30 years as a social worker at the Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center where he was the first social worker to be awarded the Heart to Hands Award. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966 and served a tour as a corpsman in Vietnam. He was an HM Petty Officer 2nd class at the time of his discharge in 1970. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3777 in Festus, the Elks Lodge 1721 of Festus/Crystal City, the American Legion Post 253 of Festus and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports, helping others, sitting on the porch while listening to music, reading and spending time with family and friends. Born April 2, 1947, in Bonne Terre, he was the son of the late Helen Arlene (Chilton) and Paul Benjamin Stewart.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Catherine (Wesley) Stewart of Festus; two children: Jennifer Renee Tinsley and Matthew Ryan (Kate) Stewart; five grandchildren: Zane Tinsley, Laiken Cash, Jaiden Belt, Brigham Charles Stewart and Emilia Jane Stewart; his brother: Paul (Ginger) Stewart; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Carolyn Sue Thompson Baker; an aunt: Pauline Cooper; and an uncle: Albert “Pete” Cooper.
A memorial visitation is scheduled from 2 p.m. until a memorial service at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Cozean Memorial Chapel, 217 W Columbia St., in Farmington, officiated by Deacon Mike Burch. Interment with full military honors will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to Feed My People, the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel.