Roger Dale Stewart

On the morning of June 4, 2019, after a seven-year journey through dementia, Roger Stewart decided to join in the celebrations of his father's 98th heavenly birthday. Surrounded by the love of his daughter and son-in-law, Roger passed to eternal rest. Roger Dale Stewart was born on April 25, 1949, in New Braunfels, Texas. He graduated from Escambia High School and was known as both a talented athlete and a friend, with a "teddy bear" spirit, greeting anyone near him with a smile and a hug. After retiring as a Mail Carrier for the United States Post Office, Roger served a second career as a Day Manager for Pensacola Athletic Center (PAC), where many of his most cherished friendships began. Friends quickly became family, as they shared many years of joy, love, and laughter throughout the better part of his last 25 years of life. Life lessons by way of Roger Stewart include: Everyone needs a nickname! What better way to express terms of endearment and love than with a nickname? It was probable that any friend or family member of Roger's had a nickname, which was conveyed with loving sentiment every time he talked to or about that person. The story behind the nickname is likely to be met with equal parts of love, laughter, and gratitude. All gatherings of family and friends are better with food—really, really good food! And, if Roger had anything to do with the planning and hosting of the gathering, friends and family could count on a crawfish or shrimp boil and smoked gouda cheese grits. Love people—all people—with your whole heart! More importantly, let the smile with which you greet every person light the room and reflect the love held in your heart for simply sharing that moment – with that person – for that occasion – no matter the occasion! Laughter is the shortest distance between two people! So, always have a joke, or two prepared to keep close to every single person you meet. (Remember, according to Roger, inappropriate jokes are best.) Love life so much that you are willing to be lost in the moment and dance out of the movie theater to the music—especially if that music is "When I See an Elephant Fly." Roger was preceded in death by his mother and father, Essie Lee Stewart and Donald Stewart; brothers, Tim and Bill Stewart; nephew, Paul Stewart; great-niece, Kelli Stewart; great-nephew Tyler Stewart; and grand dog, Buffalo Conklin. Roger is survived and forever cherished by his daughter and son-in-law, Bree and Lyle Conklin; brother and his wife, Don and Darlene Stewart; grand dogs, Frog, Turtle, Moose, Bear, and Bison Conklin; nephew, Lee Stewart; niece and her husband, Tiffanie and Chris Matron; niece and her life partner, Cynthia Stankevich and Jim Dale; niece and her husband Audrey and Will Smith; niece and her husband, Vanessa and Ben Turner; nephew and his wife, Jeff and Amy Stewart; nephew, Paul Stewart; niece, Melissa Kast; great-nieces and nephews, Kristina Matron, Candace Stewart, Christopher (Buddy) Matron, Bekah and Kenny Arid, Rachel Booker, Madison Self, Dylan and Kendall Stankevich, Isabella Stankevich, Olivia Steele, Shawn Turner, Morgan Turner, Cameron Turner, Nicholas Turner, Ashley Cole; great-great-niece, Neva Stewart, and great-great-nephew, Brantley Arid; and bonus daughters, Katie Anderson, Lindsey Webb, Emma Ryan-Walker, Ellen Ryan, Shelly Piccard, Erica Hilton and Brianne Zeitlin. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may go to Camp Missing Piece, a grief camp for children and adolescents, 1657 Trinity Drive Pensacola, FL 32504. A special thank you to the staff of Summer Vista for loving and caring for him as one of their own family members for nearly two years, to Emerald Coast Hospice for their love and support, and to the staff and social services of Arcadia Health and Rehab. There will be a visitation on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2019 with a shrimp boil which the family will announce at a later date. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Roger Dale Stewart

April 25, 1949 - June 4, 2019