Joseph Harold Stewart

Joseph Harold Stewart

Nov. 13, 1960 - June 8, 2015

WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- Joseph Harold Stewart, 54, lost a long hard fought battle to cancer on Monday evening, June 8, 2015. He died peacefully at his home in Westminster, Colorado.

Joe was born on Nov. 13, 1960, the son of Virgil and Bernadetta (O'Dea) Stewart at Saint Mary's Hospital in North Platte, Nebraska. He attended grade school in McCook and Indianola. He was a 1979 Republican Valley High School graduate. Following high school, he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He graduated from UNL with a nursing degree. While attending college, he worked as an aide at Tabitha Home Health/Hospice. He later worked at Bryan Memorial Hospital.

After living in Lincoln for many years, Joe and his life partner, Ward Lewis, moved to Colorado. Joe was employed at Denver Hospice until his health prevented him from working. Joe was very loving and had a compassionate nature. He was very deserving of the Nightingale Award that the Denver Hospice awarded him in May 2015 for his lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Joe and Ward were married on July 11, 2014, in Colorado. They had been life partners for over 27 years.

Some of Joe's favorite past times were spoiling his beloved cats, Mook and Malichite, tending to his flowers and gardens, traveling with Ward and always helping others.

He had a wonderful smile and sense of humor (although sometimes warped.) He gave the best bone-crushing hugs. He loved to argue in order to harass his family and he always had the last word whether it was right or wrong. He loved ketchup on everything and especially loved living near the mountains.

Preceding him in death was his beloved Mom, Bernadetta O'Dea Stewart Sis or BOSS for short, on May 8, 2010, and his father, Virgil Stewart, on June 8, 1961. Joe was almost seven months old when his father passed away. Now, 54 1/2 years later, Joe passed away on the same date as his father, Virgil Stewart and his paternal grandfather, Roy Stewart, who also passed on June 8, in 1946.

His maternal grandparents, Harold and Elizabeth O'Dea and his paternal grandparents, Roy and Hazel Stewart also preceded him. In addition, his step-father, John Sis, passed away in September 2011. He was also preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, John Ozanne, Wallace Graham III and Doug Shadley; two nephews, Joseph and Joshua Ozanne and two step-nephews, Terry and David Vroman.

Joe is survived by his life partner, Ward Lewis and their two cats, Mook and Malichite. He also has left behind six sisters, Pam Ozanne and (John Hall) of Indianola, Nebraska, Nancy (Dennis) Campbell of Cambridge, Nebraska, Sue (Rod) Lockhorn of Sidney, Nebraska, Rita (Ed) McConville of Indianola, Mary Shadley of Holdrege, Nebraska, and Margaret (Art) Noyes of Indianola; one brother, Bob (Gloria) Stewart of Faribault, Minnesota; five step-sisters, Mary, Norma, Nancy, Donna and Patty; two step-brothers, John and Eddie; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

A Mass and Celebration of Joe's life will be July 11, 2015, at 5 p.m. at St. Catherine's Church at Indianola. It will be followed by a potluck supper and visiting at the church hall. The family will be at the church hall starting at 3 p.m. to greet visitors before the Mass at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Interment will be at a private ceremony at a future date.

Memorials can be given in Joe's name to your favorite charity or Hospice.