Loy “Bud” Steward, 95 of Clinton, IL, passed 6 PM July 17, 2021, at St. Clara’s Manor, Lincoln, IL.

 

Services will be 2:30 PM, Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at McClimans Cemetery, Hallsville, IL with Military Honors. Visitation will be 12:30 – 2:30 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Clinton American Legion or the Clinton AmVets.

 

Loy was born August 13, 1925, in Girard, IL the son of Archie and Grace (Kelley) Steward. He married Annette Fransen November 23, 1946, in Chicago, IL. She passed away June 7, 2000.  He later married Geraldine “Geri” Paulson on July 5, 2002 in Branson, MO.  She survives in Clinton, IL.

 

Survivors include his children:  Susan (the late Steve) Williams, Minier, IL; David L. (Emily) Steward, Kenney, IL; Bill (Kay) Steward, Clinton, IL; Laura (Doug) Koons, Clinton, IL; 10 grandchildren:  Terri & (Glen) Harmison, Mackinaw, IL; Moriah & (Josh) Adkins, Franklin, IL; Loni & (Patrick) Trimble, White Heath, IL; Amanda & (Luke) DeGrave, Atkinson, IL; Melody Steward, Scottsdale, AZ; Bill & (Lori) Steward Jr., Kenney, IL; Kelli & (Jarrod) Krall, Warrensburg, IL; Jamie Steward & (Christopher) Hernandez, Lincoln, IL; Donald & (Jamie) Koons, Bloomington, IL; Daniel & (Jenna) Koons, Pontiac, IL; and 15 great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brother and one sister, and son-in-law, Steve Williams.

 

Loy was a WWII Veteran serving in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division.  He was a patriarch in agriculture by becoming a partner in the Hallsville Elevator to keep grain elevators owned locally.  Loy was committed to farming starting in 1949 and continuing for 47 years.  He then was “part-time” help and mentor to two sons and a grandson who carried on the family tradition.  He loved to travel, whether it was in his Fifth-wheel or to his second home in Ft. Myers, FL.  He was an avid story teller that didn’t know a stranger so he made friends wherever he went.  He was also an expert gardener and was known for his delicious watermelons.  Loy’s greatest love was spending time with his family that loved him immensely.