Paul Edward Stewart, 71, of Duette, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Mr. Stewart was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 20, 1940 and had been a 23 year resident of Duette, formerly of St. Pete Beach. He was the owner of Stewart Fencing Co., a rancher, member of the Dry Prairie Baptist Church and the Manatee Cattleman's Association.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Stewart of Duette; mother, Margaret C. Stewart of Duette; three sons, Steve Stewart (Mary) of St. Pete Beach, Paul Stewart of St. Petersburg, and Scott Stewart of Kannapolis, NC; two daughters, Cori McLachlan of Palmetto and Wendy Fruland (Erik) of St. Pete Beach; 20 grandchildren, Adrian, Nicole, Benjamin, Margaret, Rose, Andrew, George (Jolena), Rebecca, Samantha, Wendy, Daniel, Carson, Haley, Kelly, Robert, Sarah, Nicholas, Matthew, Allison, Caleb; and three great-grandchildren, Braxton, Cason, and Cora.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 23rd at Dry Prairie Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. with Rev. Doug Carter and Rev. Rudy Williams officiating. Burial is in Fortner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Benjamin Mendick Hope Lodge, 12810 Magnolia Dr., Tampa, FL 33612.