John David Stuart, 78, of Festus died April 5, 2025, at his home. Mr. Stuart was a retired maintenance supervisor for the Bayless School District. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus and Knights of Columbus Council 4402. He was a past exalted ruler and member of Elks 1721. Along with his wife, he served as one of the 2019 presidents of the Missouri Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs and was inducted into the Missouri Caller/Cuer Hall of Fame in 2012. Born Sept. 14, 1946, in Bonne Terre, he was the son of the late Vera (O’Dell) and Alonzo Stuart.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years: Beverly “Bev” (Portell) Stuart; five children: Jeff (Diana) Stuart of Farmington, Christy Lynn (Tim) Barnes of Farmington, Robyn Lynn Doerrer of Lake St. Louis, Jennifer Sue (Michelle) Coleman of Crystal City and Becki Schnarr of Montgomery City; two brothers: Harold (Dorris) Stuart of Ballwin and Tom (Brenda) Stuart of Farmington; 13 grandchildren: Christopher Stuart, Katie Stuart, Lindsay Doerrer, Emma Doerrer, Kyle Barnes, Molly (Eric) Berry, Collin Stafford, Alysa Walker, Baylee Hanewinkle, Regan Hanewinkle, Bethany (Justin) Ostendorf, Jacob (Ariel)Book and Kayla Book; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Ray (the late Maxine) Stuart, Jim Stuart and Alonzo (the late Helen) Stuart Jr.; and a grandson: Jordan David Stafford.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus, officiated by Father Michael Boehm. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.