William “Bill” Gene Stewart, 92, of Platte City, Missouri, and formerly of Tarkio, Missouri, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at The Baptist Home in Smithville, Missouri.

Bill was born November 20, 1931, in New Hampton, Missouri, the son of Dan and Elizabeth (Osborn) Stewart.  He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1949. After graduating, he learned morse code while training to become a depot agent for the railroad. He also joined the Army National Guard in Albany, Missouri, and served for seven years. He was very proud that he was able to serve Harry S. Truman a meal while stationed at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. He served as a depot agent in several locations around northwest Missouri and southern Iowa. Bill retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 41 years. He then became a TSA (screener) at KCI Airport for 11 years. He received numerous accolades about his friendly personality and attention-to-detail and skill while operating the x-ray machine.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ilene Magee; and brother-in-law, Wilbur Magee.

He loved his family fiercely and was immensely proud of all of them. Bill is survived by wife, Beverly (Bryant) Stewart, whom he married in 1954. Together, they had three children, Brenda (Curt) Brought, Jeff (Suzanne) Stewart, and Lisa (Roger) Giger. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed so much by his family.

After his family, the three things Bill enjoyed most were feeding the squirrels, a good cigar in his mouth, and a fishing pole in his hands. He never met a stranger; he could hold a conversation with anyone. He truly enjoyed listening to or watching the Kansas City Royals during the spring and summer and the Kansas City Chiefs during the fall and winter.

A memorial graveside service and inurnment with military rites was held Friday, July 12, 2024, at Foster Cemetery, New Hampton under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Smithville Baptist Home, Smithville.