Burnard Stewart

Burnard “Burnie” Stewart, 81, of Bucyrus, passed away November 16, 2021, after years of declining health.



Burnie was born July 2, 1940, to the late Wright and Rosie Stewart in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. From a young age, he could always be found working to help support his family. After moving to Ohio, one night out dancing with his friends, he met the love of his life, the late Linda Mae Pyles and the two were married on January 23, 1971.



Burnie worked at Paper Calmenson & Company (Shunk) for many years before retiring. He studied for seven years before being baptized in 1987 as a Witness of Jehovah and was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Galion. He thoroughly enjoyed spreading the Word in the community and spent endless hours doing so before his health declined.



Burnie enjoyed spending time with his family, especially when they were able to camp at Roger’s Lake in Sycamore. He had a special love for all of his grandchildren being sure to encourage them with a love for learning, and he was so proud of how smart they were becoming. Even though he was known as the biggest, strongest man in the lives of his children and grandchildren, he was also known as the gentlest of men and was never afraid to play games and sing silly songs for the grandchildren.



Burnie had a green thumb and could grow anything. Linda loved the flowers he would grow especially for her. Additionally, Burnie and Linda enjoyed watching western tv shows and movies together, with John Wayne movies at the forefront. Burnie also liked to watch Jeopardy with Linda and listen to old country music.



Burnie is survived by his children, Michael (Stacy) Stewart, Steven Stewart, Rhonda (Samuel) Jones, David (Barb) Basore, Ronda (Ron) Scott and Tami (Zach Dalton) Lamperez; grandchildren, David, Sierra, Alisha, Aaron, Brittney, Micaela, Mariah, Christopher, ReeAnna and Colin; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Carter, Judy Collier; brother, Orville Lee Stewart; special longtime friend of both he and Linda, Carolyn Vincent as well as many extended family members. In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, he was preceded in death by his 17 siblings and his parents.



Burnie’s family gathered privately to celebrate his life. Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Crawford Partnership for the Dolly Parton (Ohio Governor’s) Imagination Library, an organization reaching children for literacy which was a lesson close to his heart, and can be sent to Wise Funeral Service at 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories and photos can be shared on Burnie’s tribute wall.