Richard "Gene" Eugene Stewart

Richard “Gene” Eugene Stewart passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on July 29, 1934 to Vern and Viola Stewart in Des Moines.

Gene graduated from North High School in 1952, where he was an avid football player. On Valentine’s Day in 1955 he met the love of his life, Joy McConnell. They were married on April 14, 1956 and blessed with two sons.

Gene became a fireman with the City of Des Moines Fire Department in January 1957 and retired as a Captain in September 1994. Having lived a life of dedicated service to the community for 37 plus years,. He was also a member of Local #4 Fire Fighters Union.

After retirement he worked for Des Moines Dental Prosthesis for 23 years and was in the Air National Guard for 14 years.

It goes without saying that Gene was a hard worker, never idle.

Gene will be remembered as a kind, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend. He touched many lives during his lifetime and will be greatly missed.

Family was the most important thing in his life and he enjoyed spending time with them and also his friends. Many years were spent as coach and manager of his son’s baseball teams. He enjoyed watching his grandson’s baseball and soccer games and granddaughters dance recitals and going to the Iowa Speedway.

He took great pride in working on their home and yard. He enjoyed traveling, especially their many trips to Hawaii and their trip to London.

We will keep you in our hearts forever and will cherish many memories of fond times spent together.

Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joy; son Randy (Jan); grandsons, Ryan and Brett (Kelcee); great-granddaughter, Ashton; son, Mark (Julie); granddaughter, Morgan (Chris) Reinert; grandson, Addison (Grace); great-granddaughter, Lylah; grandson, Evan; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family will greet friends on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Gene will be laid to rest following his funeral service at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD) Honor Guard, 2715 Dean Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50317.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves memories no on can steal.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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