Robert W. Stewart

Daleville...Robert W. (Bob) Stewart, 82, life-long Democratic Party activist and Delaware County office holder, died January 7, 2008 of complications due to Alzheimer's disease at Manor Care in Anderson, IN. He lived in Daleville.Mr. Stewart was born in Daleville in 1925 and remained a lifelong, civically engaged resident of the community. He was a 1943 graduate of Daleville High School and upon graduation joined the United States Air Force and served as a tail-gunner on a B-26 Marauder bomber in the European Theatre over Germany during WW 2.On April 29, 1944 he married Barbara Ellen Ulmer from Chesterfield, his wife of 63 years.After returning from the war, he enrolled at Ball State Teachers College and earned a degree in Business Administration in 1948.He worked for 10 years at Guide Lamp in personnel, during which time he owned and operated an insurance agency from home on a part time and then a full time basis.Mr. Stewart was elected to many Democratic Party posts at various levels as well as to County wide elected office in Delaware County. He served as Precinct Committeeman from 1948-1998, was elected Delaware County Assessor in 1958 and re-elected in 1962.He served as Delaware County Democratic Party Chairman in 1964-1968 and State Party Treasurer from 1968-1970.He served as Daleville Town Clerk for several years before resigning for health reasons. ""Regardless of what level of elected office he served, he used whatever influence he had to secure many resources over the years for the Town of Daleville,"" said his daughter Carol Ann.In 1965, while on vacation in New York City, he took his family to the famous Riverside Church to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. ""While recounting this years later, I suddenly realized what a gift Dad had given his family"", states his son Bob. ""Despite being from a small mid-western town in the mid 1960's at the height of the civil rights movement and with a million things to do in New York City, Dad took his family to hear and meet Dr. King. That was amazing!""His motto was: Your Best insurance: Be grateful, Be thankful, Help others.He owned and operated Bob's Bottle Shop in Muncie from 1972-1986.He was a member of the Daleville Christian Church, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion.He is survived by his wife Barbara of Daleville, 1 son: Robert (Sharon) Stewart of Annapolis, MD and 1 daughter: Carol Ann (David)Stewart Gulyas of Forest Park, IL, 3 grandchildren: Erin Hughes and Sean Stewart of Silver Spring, MD and Paul Stewart Gulyas of Chicago, IL.Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 am at the Daleville Christian Church with Rev. Gary McManus officiating.Burial will follow at Saunders Cemetery, east of Daleville.Friends may call at the Daleville Christian Church on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comMemorials to the Daleville Community Library at 13601 West 550 South, Daleville, IN 47334.Arrangements has been entrusted to: Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, Daleville Chapel.