Bain Stewart

Bain O. "Sarge" Stewart, age 91 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, April 15, 2014, at 9 AM at his home. Bain was born February 20, 1923 in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of Elmer Herald Stewart and Lina Isabell (Threet) Stewart. Bain was united in marriage to Joan (Alsip) on February 9 1946 in Aurora, Illinois. She survives. Other survivors include: his daughter – Belinda “Susie” Cline of Marion, IL; a brother – Virgil (Lavone) Stewart of Dodge Center, MN; a sister-in-law – Frances Stewart of Vienna, IL; his beloved feline friend – Blueberry “The Baby” as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bain was preceded in death by an infant son – Richard Alan Stewart; 4 brothers – Paul, J.C., Dale and Earl Stewart; and 6 sisters – Helen Rose Kerley, Waynie Sullivan, Ivern Stewart, Edith Sharp, Lorene Craig, and Ann Peckinpaugh. Bain was a 1941 graduate of Vienna High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from active service at the conclusion of the war, Bain returned to Johnson County and was employed as a carpenter by J. Ira Prichard at the Vienna Lumber Company. Bain was re-called to active service at the beginning of the Korean War. He continued his military career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring on April 1, 1971 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Bain was a former member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. During his retirement, Bain operated a cattle farm and also served for 13 years as a Vienna High School bus driver. Bain had a love of the land and the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening. Bain had served on the Johnson County Soil & Water Conservation Board as well as being a member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. Bain was a devoted and faithful charter member of the Countryside Christian Church, where he had served as an elder and a former senior adult Sunday School teacher. Bain was an avid bowler and was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, April 19, 2014, at 11 AM at the Countryside Christian Church, north of Vienna. Pastor Bill Littrell will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Full military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Air Force Burial Honors Detail from Scott Air Force Base. Visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2014, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 10 AM – 11 AM Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, Illinois 62959, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995.

Bain Stewart

February 20, 1923 - April 15, 2014