Earl Stewart

Earl C. Stewart, 86, of Hawthorne, Fl, formerly of Hurricane, WV died January 18, 2012. Born March 3, 1925 in Charleston, WV he was a son of the late London Sherman and Izora Cavender Stewart. He was also preceded by his sister, Carolyn Stewart Collins. Surviving are his wife, Glendine Abshire Stewart, Earl?s daughters, Laberta Stewart Salamacha (Lucas) and her husband, Randy Lucas of Hurricane along with Randy?s children, Stephen Lucas of Midlothian, VA and Amy Fleming of St. Albans; Dorinda Stewart (Stutts) and her children, his grandchildren, Jacob and Nicholas Stutts of Raliegh, NC. Also surviving are Glendine?s children and their families, Randall David and his children, Desire Davis and Sarah Poppell; her daughter, Debra Russell and her children, Johnny Addison and Kara Fedd and additionally by his little Boston Terrier, Poppy. Earl was a United States Army scout during World War II and fought on Luzon in the Philippines. He was instrumental in saving both Philippinos and Americans imprisoned by the Japanese in Baguio. He received a Bronze Star for his bravery and was recognized by the country of the Philippines during his return 45 years later for a reunion. Featured on "The History Channel", he gave his account of the fighting in Manila and his prospective as a soldier there. He was also interviewed by Japanese Public Television for a documentary of the war. A Hurricane businessman during the 1950's and 1960's, he operated the Highway Inn and Stewart Motors. Later, he was employed by the State of West Virginia working in the Fire Marshall?s Office and the Department of Health. He taught fire safety and health safety at the WVU Extension Campus, Parkersburg. Active in public service, Earl served on the Hurricane City Council and was a former sanitation commissioner. He served on the first Nursing License Board and the first Putnam County Civil Service Board. He was active in the Democratic Party, and had held the position of Putnam County Democratic Chairman during most of the 1960?s. He joined others in helping presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy carry this state. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, hunting, golf and racing cars. He won several trophies at the Kanawha Valley Dragway, Winfield, WV. He also raised and showed Dalmations. He was a member of Putnam Masonic Lodge # 139, and was a member of the Beni Kedem Shrine, Charleston. Retiring early in life, earl was fortunate to travel the United States and to several other countries. He lived a full life and lived it on his terms. A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm Monday, January 23, 2012 at Chapman Funeral Home, 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, with Jim McGehee of the First Baptist Church of Hurricane officiating. Entombment with honors provided by James E. Marshall American Legion Post # 184 and Putnam Masonic Lodge # 139 AF &AM will follow in Forest Memorial Park, Milton, WV. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriner?s Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229.