Ronald Dean Stewart
Ronald Dean Stewart, 75, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away on April 5, 2022 after a 14-month battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma).
Dean was born on December 9, 1946, to Mildred Delsena and Floyd Harold Stewart in Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Billings High School in 1964, he completed a BA degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1969 and a Masters of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1972 preparing him for a life-long career of pastoring and ministering to churches throughout the Midwest.
Dean met the love of his life, Gailene Lane, at church in their hometown of Billings and married September 6, 1968, starting their life’s journey of over 53 years. Three sons, Timothy Scott, Christopher Keith, and Gregory Dean joined them along this journey, and later in the journey, two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.
Dean’s journey of ministry started in a one room country church in Warsaw, Missouri, and meandered through Denton, Texas; Ash Grove, Missouri; Van Meter, Iowa; Jefferson City, Missouri, and in 1986 to Bellefontaine Baptist Church in St. Louis County and to Webster Groves Baptist Church in 2003.
After retiring in January 2013 from Webster Groves Baptist Church, Dean served as a Family to Family teacher for the St. Louis National Alliance for Mental Illness and received the 2019 Teacher of the Year Award. He enjoyed walking, traveling, reading, and, of course, teasing and loving his grandchildren and watching them mature into wonderful young people.
Dean was predeceased by his mother and father, Floyd and Delsena, and his older brother, Gary. He is survived by his wife Gail, son Timothy Scott Stewart of Jonesboro, Arkansas & daughter-in-law Gretchen (Jeffreys) grandchildren Benjamin Scott, Samuel Jeffrey, Nyah Hope, Skye Elizabeth; son Christopher Keith Stewart of Florissant, MO; son Gregory Dean Stewart of Chesterfield, Missouri & daughter-in-law Katie (Wagner) grandchildren Lily Beth, Henry Dean; brother Floyd Kent Stewart of Springfield, Missouri & sister-in-law Jean; sister-in-law Barbara Stewart (Gary) of Billings, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dean’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on April 14, 2022, at Dayspring Baptist Church, 1001 Municipal Center Dr. Town and Country, MO 63131 at 7 p.m. with visitation 5 – 7 p.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://m.facebook.com/DayspringStl/ . Graveside services will be held on April 15, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Marionville I00F Cemetery in Marionville, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ronald Dean Stewart’s name through https://mercyhealthfoundation.net to support Mercy’s hospice program and services through the David C Pratt Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
I was honored to be one of the co-teachers with Dean on his first family to family class he had taught. His heart was filled with teaching and helping others. That heart is what made him the great teacher he became. He could make you laugh, think and strive to be a better person. Rest In peace my friend. Job well done.
A truly wonderful man, called home to heaven, leaving this world, his loving family, his friends and the life he lived so fully, all the better for having been here to help each of us along our way.
He and I pastored the same church a few years apart in Ash Grove. I met him at a service there and was impressed immediately. Know I am praying for you all…
I had come to know Jesus as my Savior shortly before Dean came to VanMeter. He was my first pastor and teacher I learned soooo much from him. Truly blessed by both he and Gail. Bringing up Timothy & Carrie up together-trying to keep them apart some days. Watching Courtney & Christopher carry on their deep conversations at 4yo. And baby Greg. Sorry we never got together after you left, but we will meet again in heaven. Prayers for God’ comfort and peace