Tommy Russell Stewart, 72, of Carroll, IA passed away suddenly Friday, October 8, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery, Auburn. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in
Auburn. Lampe & Powers Funeral Home in Lake City is assisting the family.
Tommy (Tom) was born on April 13, 1949, at McCrary Rost Hospital in Lake City, IA to Willard and Maxine Stewart. Tom graduated from Lake View- Auburn High School in 1967.
In February of 1969, Tom was seriously injured in a car accident that left him paralyzed as a quadriplegic. Tom did not let this deter him from achieving his dreams. After the accident, Tom rehabbed vigorously to be able to work his way back to the best of health as possible, earning him the affection title of “the toughest SOB on the planet” from his son.
After rehab, Tom went on to study at Iowa Central Community College and then to Makato State, where he graduated with a degree in Sports and Recreational Management. Tom took that degree and made it into a career, working as the Recreation Director for New Hope Village for fifteen years, before opening his own business for several years. Tom
ended his working career at American Home Shield.
In 1978, Tom met and married Joleen (Jodie) Duncan. The two were married for 20 years, and together had one child, Shawn. During this time, Tom was active in the community, being a member of the local Lion’s Club, serving as the club president for a few years, as well as volunteering and being present for functions to promote and empower New Hope and the individuals they serve.
Tom was an avid sports fan. He cheered for most local sports team, but his heart always bled Red and Gold, whether it be for the Iowa State Cyclones or his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. During the weekends in the fall, it was not hard to find Tom, as he would be watching either the Cyclones on Saturday or the Chiefs on Sunday, along with any NASCAR race that could be found on television. Tom was also a huge fan of the television show, “MASH”, which he would watch reruns of daily, boring his son to no end.
Tom faced his fair share of medical issues, but he always found a way to bounce back and be ready for the next challenge. He had a way of dealing with his issues with humor. Tom was always quick with a joke, and lived by the motto of, “If they can’t take a joke, that is their problem.” Tom had a quick wit, and the charm to go along with it, and he leaves behind many saddened friends today. Although Tom could leave you irritated to no end, people could not help but love him.
In recent years, Tom could be found roaming around town in his motorized chair with his beloved dog, Shea. These two were inseparable, and shared a strong bond, until Tom had to move into an assisted living facility, where he spent his remaining years.
Tom is survived by his son, Shawn Stewart, Carroll, IA; grandchildren Trystan Kane, Kyra Kane, and Ashlyn Stewart, Carroll, IA; brother Larry (Corrine) Stewart, Auburn, IA; sister-in-law Judy Stewart, Texarkana, AR; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many extended family members and friends… and of course, his beloved dog Shea.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Maxine Stewart; brother Michael Stewart; grandparents Sam and Mabel Stewart and Clarence and Myrtle Pierce.
Today Tom was able to take his first steps in 50 years as he entered heaven. He no longer needed to wheel himself anywhere ever again. Take a long jog around heaven dad, you have earned it. Then, when the time comes, maybe we can go for a walk together and catch up, and maybe even get a game of catch for the first time. But for right now… run, and
do not stop running until you cannot run anymore!!! I will be here cheering for you!