David William Stewart passed away peacefully at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., on July 10, 2014, at the age of 59.
David was born in Ft. Smith, on Jan. 4, 1955, to William M. Stewart and Floy Hope (Harshaw) Stewart. He graduated from Springdale High School in 1973.

He leaves his wife of 38 years, Gabra Allen Stewart, and Weston of the home; sons Shahan Stewart and Duda’s kids Katelynn, Serenity and Damien of Fayetteville; William “Shane” Stewart of Fayetteville; James “Ryan” Stewart and life partner Chris Littrell of Norfolk, Va.; Daddy’s girl Charity Marie Stewart Reynolds, husband Kevin and Duda’s girls Kayden and Addelei, aunts Maxine Harshaw of Muskogee, Okla., and Naida Conner of Wagoner, Okla., along with many cousins; and his mother and sister of Springdale.

David was in transportation over 30 years as a driver and owner/operator, having driven over 4 million miles. While David and Gabra were O/O, they were under leases with Schneider National Carriers, “the Elite fleet” National Carriers and Gateway Freightlines. They also operated many years independently as Stewart Specialty Services. David’s interests included Tom Clancy novels and a passion for fishing and for his family. He taught his kids to work hard and play harder. He shared his love of history and science and many times helped with homework from somewhere on the road. He had a particular soft spot for young people and was always good for a listening ear, comforting hug or a hayride. Family was precious to Stewart and he never let a day pass without telling Gabra, “I love you.” Oftentimes, he was late leaving because he spent extra time with the kids. When he would leave in the truck, he was already “going home.” As an adult, David embraced his Cherokee heritage. It was not unusual to hear the music and language in their home. He was encouraging this education in the young ones.

The family would like to invite friends and family to celebrate David’s life at a casual potluck celebration. Please bring your lawn chair to the CELEBRATION OF LIFE to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at David and Gabra’s home, at 13418 Pritchard Rd., in Gravette, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers and after an extended illness, the family requests donations. A donation page has been set up at:http://www.gofundme.com/bipacs.