DATELINE: MOWEAQUA

Malcolm W. Stewart III,81, of Moweaqua died November 18, 2014, in his home.

Services will be 10:30 am Monday, November 24, 2014 in First United Methodist Church of Moweaqua.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Sunday, November 23, 2014 in First United Methodist Church of Moweaqua with Masonic Services by Masonic Lodge #180 at 7pm.

Burial will be in Westside Cemetery, Moweaqua with Full Military Honors by Moweaqua American Legion Post #370.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Moweaqua or Cancer Care Center.

Malcolm was born November 12, 1933 in Decatur, IL the son of Malcolm W. and Vera (Shively) Stewart II. He spent his early childhood years at Round Grove, the family farm. He had many wonderful memories from this time in his life. He married Norma Linn, in Decatur, May 12, 1956. She survives.

Malcolm graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951, and enlisted in the US Navy. Malcolm enjoyed several different careers in his life time, but the closest to his heart was his service to his country. He served for 32 years in the US Navy and he served both as enlisted, advancing to Boatswain's Mate, and then as an officer in the US Navy as well, with a final rank of LCDR.

He attended the University of Illinois for a year. He then served a four-year apprenticeship as a carpenter. He attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL and after a move to Arizona , graduated from the University of Arizona with distinction after which he taught for one year in Casa Grande, Arizona. He returned to the Navy in 1964 as a commissioned officer. He was very proud of all of the training and education he received in the Navy and was proud to have served both in the Korean and Viet Nam wars. He was a natural teacher as well, and this was evident in his daily pursuits. He received his Master's Degree in Business Administration with a specialty in Personnel Management from the Navy Postgraduate School, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He loved to share stories of the ships he served on. Those ships included USS MALABAR (AF-37), USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2), USS SOUTHERLAND (DD-743), USS DAMATO (DD-871), and the USS CAMDEN (AOE-2). He also worked BUPERS in Washington D.C., and spent five years at The Ohio State University both teaching and later as the Executive Officer of the Unit. It was there that he developed his love for the OSU Buckeyes. His final duty station was the US Marine Corps/Naval Training Center in Peoria, IL and also the US Naval Reserve in Decatur, IL. where he served as Commander for both training centers concurrently. He retired from active duty in 1983. After retirement he taught in the Moweaqua and Macon school systems.

LCDR Stewart has received many awards and decorations during his stellar career including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V", Navy Unit Commendation, the Republic of Viet-Nam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), the National Defense Medal for Korea and Viet-Nam and the Viet-Nam Service Medal.

Malcolm was a member of First United Methodist Church of Moweaqua, Life Member and past Grand Master of the Moweaqua Masonic Lodge #180, Past Commander of American Legion Past #370 and member of The United Methodist Men. He enjoyed farming, golfing, going to Coffee and taking his sweet little dog Bella for rides in the big red truck. He loved his sports teams, University of Illinois The Ohio State University, and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Surviving is his wife Norma; daughter Pam (Louis) Ludlum of Moweaqua; grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott) Wiese of St. Peters, MO, and CAPT Christopher (Danielle) Ludlum USMC of Swansboro, NC; great-grandchildren: Emma Grace and Ava Claire Wiese; sister Bonnie (David) Fithian of Keaau, HI.

Preceding him in death are his parents.

The family wishes to thank all who have prayed for and cared for Malcolm on his journey. Special thanks to our extended families at Cancer Care Center of Central IL, especially Dr. Velasco, Nurse Rachel, Nurse Allison and Leigh Ann Hale.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com