Clarence Stewart

Clarence Luther Stewart, age 94 and long-time resident of Cookeville, Tennessee died at home Saturday morning, November 14, 2015. Born January 4, 1921 in Belpre, Kansas to the late William Herschel and Edna Lewis Stewart, he was one of eight children, all whom have predeceased him except for a sister, Fern (Jim) Van Luven and brother Kenneth (Dorothy) Stewart, both living in Michigan. Graduating from Cookeville Central High School, he later married his high school sweetheart, Sara Althea Terry, in 1941. Joining the US Army Air Corps, Clarence, a commissioned officer, trained as a navigator for the B-17 bomber. Upon discharge, he returned to Cookeville and completed his college education, graduating from Tennessee Tech in 1947 with a BS in Accounting. Known for his ethical business practices and entrepreneurial spirit, he opened a used car lot in Cookeville that same year. Later, he owned and operated Clarence Stewart Auto Sales located on 10th and Washington. A consummate business man, honesty and integrity were central values. He sold used cars, mobile homes, boats, and new Kaiser-Frazer and Renault cars. Remaining in the car business for 55 years, Clarence was a mentor to many car salesmen through the years. An avid fisherman, he was also an enthusiastic football fan. Affectionately called Gramps, he especially enjoyed visits with his children and grandchildren. Clarence was predeceased by beloved daughter, Lisa Stewart, who passed away in 1978; As well, he is survived by his wife of 74 years, Sara, son, Dr. (Col. Retired Army) Jack (Sarah) Stewart, Lansing, Kansas and daughter, Cissie (Frank) White, Atlanta, Georgia. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Dr. Diana Williams Stewart Hoover (Dr. John), Houston, Texas, Jonathan Jeb (Melissa) Stewart, New Orleans, Louisiana, Elizabeth Hadley White, Washington, DC, and Whitney O'Terry White, Atlanta, Georgia. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 20 from 1-3 PM and the funeral will follow at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Stone officiating. Interment will follow at the Crest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Tennessee Technological University (business scholarships) P.O. Box 1915 Cookeville, TN 38505 or Caris Hospice Healthcare 2525 Hwy 111 North Suite B. Algood, TN 38506. The family wishes to acknowledge the special care of caregivers from Heritage Pointe and Southern Comfort (most especially Laurie Murphy). Pallbearers will be Jack Stewart, Jonathan Stewart, Frank White, and Jerry Cass. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111.