"Joni and Family,So sorry for your loss.Joni, I worked with you at the real Estate Office in Coumbia City about 15 or 16 yers ago and then we met up again about 5 or6 years ago during a job interview.Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I know that you were always very poud of your son.Hugs,Neenah"
In loving memory of
BRANDON M. STEWART
June 26, 1986 - August 27, 2008
Marine Corporal Brandon M. Stewart, age 22, of Larwill, IN passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Camp Lejeune, NC. Born in Larwill, IN on June 26, 1986, he was the son of Bobby and Joni (Haegert) Stewart.A lifetime resident of Larwill, he graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 2004. A Military Police Officer, he was enlisted in the United States Marines Corps for 4 years with 7 months from discharge with the weapons and training battalion and he served 2 tours in Iraq. An avid rifleman, he enjoyed riding 4 wheelers and paintball.Survivors include his parents, Bobby and Joni Stewart of Larwill; sister, Sheena Stewart of Warsaw, IN; 2 nieces, Hayleigh Stewart and Emily Baldwin both of Warsaw; grandfather, Fritz Haegert of Larwill; and grandmother, Myrna Mullen of Akron, IN. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Juanita Claxton and Carol Haegert and aunt, Lynn Sroufe.Visitation is 2-8 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the funeral home with Navy Chaplain Commander Daniel Gard officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill, IN. Memorials may be given in Brandons memory to the Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Tributes
"I am very sorry to hear about your loss. You all are in our prayers. "
"TO OUR FALLEN MARINE HEROESWritten by L. Winter, Proud Marine MomI heard of you today, not in a usual way,I heard of the courage you displayed today.Then I heard of your death that has come at such an early age,Leaving us to weep and be full of rage.You gave the highest gift that anyone can ever present,And with your gift we know why you were sent.For you were born for a more noble purpose than most of us could ever bear,And, if life were fair...You would still be with us knowing of your valuable worth,To all of us here on earth.But in God's divine plan, you left us to be of service in his highest realm.You now are guarding his streets and taking your helm.To watch over and see that other's are safe,And brought home to their families, to be face to face.We are debt to you always for being so brave,You were put here at this time to show us how to save.A country that needed to be free,And now we have the need to see...You safe in God's arms, full of body and health,And acknowledging that one's worth is not of wealth.But in the life you have given for someone else.So rest for a while and gather yourself.For God's angels are always on duty,And you have achieved this rare and distinct beauty.We salute you with tears in our eyes,Because we now have to say goodbye.You are at home where you are meant to be,And yes, don't worry, we won't stop until all are free.Your life has shown us there is a higher price to be paid,For the land of the free and the home of the brave.Until we meet again,Semper Fidelis...to our fallen Marine heroTo the Stewart family; I wish to express my sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. In this hard time I hope you can remember to turn to one another for support and to remember the good times as hard as it may be, these are the moments that should be cherrished the most."
"I am sorry to hear the loss of your love one. You and your family will be in our Hearts and Prayers as we look towards God for comfort and guidance through this difficult time in your life. May God Bless you all.Patrick and Laura Bitzel"
"Bobby, Joni & Sheena,I cannot express how sadend I was to hear that Brandon had passed. I pray that you all find peace knowing that Brandon was loved by all. I amtruely sorry and hope that if there is anything that I can do to help, pleaselet me know. I didn't know Brandon all that long, but the time I spent with him taking his Senior pictures, I could tell that he was wise well beyond his years. He was a bright and talented young man and will be misssed by all. Sheena- If you or HayLeigh need anything, please let me know.My family has kept your family in prayer. Brandon was a true friend to my brother and gave him advice about things that we appreciated...We will all miss him and will keep you in our prayers, Brandon was truely a hero, and I apprecate the fact that he fought to protect our freedom, God Bless!"
"Dear Joni,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. Please know that I'm thinking of you and I hope, in some small way, it helps.Hugs,AnneVillage Animal Clinic"
"Our deepest sympathy to you all during this most difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you and may He keep Brandon in the palm of His hand. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing that Brandon is with God, watching over you all."
"I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."
"To the Stewart family: We send our heartfelt sympathies to your family with the loss of your son.He visited our home with Justin when he was on leave.He impressed us as such a wonderfull young man. May God bless your family. Luke& Joyce Williamson"
"Brandon will be missed by us all as you are all in our prayers. "
"Bobby, Joni, and Sheena: I cannot express how sorry I am to hear about Brandon. He was such a great guy with so much life and energy! Please know that I am thinking about all of you and praying for your healing. God bless,Amy Abell (Till)"
"Bobby & Joni, My heart aches for all of your family.It seems that life is never fair and truly the good die young.With love,Vicki"
"Joni and BobbyI am so sorry for your loss. I knew him in person for about half a day, he came to my wife and our house with Justin. What a great guy. True gentlemen. Thank you and him for watching over Justin on their tours in Iraq. I am forever grateful. Not a phone call occurred without a "stewey" story between my brother and I while they were in Iraq. Please contact me if I can do anything.chaos4856@yahoo.com513-256-0026"
"Our condolences to the Stewart Family.....We had the pleasure of knowing and spending a little time with Brandon through our Marine son Justin......We are so sorry for your loss......."
"I cant even begin to explain how sorry i am for your loss. words fail us to bring comfort at the darkest time a parent may ever experience. I hope you know that you can find support in us and our family. There is no right way to grieve, and there is no time when you should get over it or move on, just know that our prayers are with you in your time of need. Brandon was such a wonderful man, and its truly an honor to have known him!Heather"
"Joni & Bobby- We are so sorry for your loss. Total shock. Please know that we are praying for you to find the strength through God. There is no way to go through something like this without Him. We have some very good memories of the kids playing together. Brandon was such a personable person and I enjoyed talking to him. God bless you all!"
"May God be with you all to provide comfort and peace in such a difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.God Bless, Seth Slater & Rachel Lehman"
"God has a special bolt of cloth from which He cutsthose children who are destine to become defenders of our freedom, this nation's heros. Brandon was cut from that special bolt of cloth .... Hero's Cloth. My tears flow freely and unashamed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. Amy Hoffmeier (Ossian, IN) Proud Marine Mom of Corporal Daniel Gruber Bravo 1/5 Camp Pendleton (11/04 to 11/07)Edson Range Camp Pendletonto Ar Ramadi, Iraq, and back by the grace of God ! "
"Words can not express the sadness I feel in my heart for your family. Brandon was such a great young man. He was a true joy in my life. He was a model student . I always enjoyed his smile and the fact that he never had a bad day. In my 27 years of driving bus Brandon is on the top of my list of favorites. Thank you for sharing your son with me. He will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Martha Trier Whitko Bus Driver"
"To the Entire Stewart Family:May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief.Randy and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home"