Edward Lee Stewart, 83, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Arnold Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday from 3-4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Edward was born on August 17, 1942, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Everett Eugene and Meta Viola (Tate) Stewart. On December 3, 1987, in Mexico, he married Jean Evelyn Graupman.

Ed was a 1960 graduate of Mexico High School. He worked for A.P. Green for 35 years until the plant closed. He later worked for Bentley Pontoon before taking time away from the workforce to build the home he and Jean would share together.

An avid outdoorsman, Ed loved hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed target shooting, game shooting, and archery. He took numerous hunting trips throughout the western United States and Canada, pursuing game such as antelope and elk. He also enjoyed traveling, with one of his favorite adventures being an Alaskan cruise. A talented carpenter, Ed handcrafted the cabinets in the home he built with Jean. He was skilled at working on firearms and found great enjoyment in playing his guitar and singing. He also enjoyed many hobbies including arrowhead hunting, gunsmithing and knife making.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Stewart of the home; one son, Keith Gilltrap of Nixa; one son-in-law, Andy Fecht of Mexico; two granddaughters, Haley (Brandon) Schafer and Whitney (Seth) Mobley; three great-grandchildren, Blayke and Bristol Schafer, and Wren Mobley; one brother, Gene Ray Stewart of Mexico; two sisters, Carol Comstock of Paris and Chyerl Varvil of Columbia; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Eugene and Meta Viola Stewart, and one daughter, Kris Fecht.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice. Donations may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.