Edwin Charles Stewart, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Born January 5, 1947, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Leah Grace (Cover) and Wilbur Dean Stewart. Ed grew up in Highland, Kansas, where he embraced life fully—excelling in sports, music, and friendships. A standout athlete at 6’5, he played basketball in high school and at Highland Community College, earning Hall of Fame Honors. He continued at Pittsburg State University, where he received his degree in Psychology and went on to earn his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Ed’s life was defined by connection, adventure, and family. He spent years in Anchorage, Alaska, raising five of his seven children, building a house with the help of his four brothers, singing in a barbershop quartet, and enjoying basketball and cross-country skiing. He later returned to Kansas, where his last two children were born and where he continued his career supporting and uplifting others, retiring from the State of Kansas in 2012.
In 1994, Ed met the love of his life, Carol, and together they built a life full of travel, laughter, and devotion to their large, blended family. They shared 32 years together.
Ed was a natural-born dad—loving, present, and endlessly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He believed deeply in the power of humor and was a lifelong jokester, known for his warm hugs, playful spirit, and ability to make any moment lighter. He loved music (especially classic country), basketball, fireworks, good food, and time spent with family—especially at Christmas, his favorite time of year.
He was a devoted husband, a loyal brother, a kind friend, and an extraordinary father. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was the family he created.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Patrick. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol, daughter Mary Meinholz (Joseph) Prescott, Arizona, grandchildren: Peter, Matthew and Elizabeth; daughter Melinda Valentini (Adrian) Wheat Ridge, Colorado; daughter Jo Anna Brown, St Louis, Missouri, grandchildren: Layla, Hadleigh, Abbygail and Tristann Wooten (Conner) Benton, Arkansas, great-grandchildren: Brady and Beckham; daughter Stephanie Koehler (Chris) Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren Elliot, Arlo and Gracie; son Tim Stewart (Doris) Wake Forest, North Carolina; daughter Katie Hemphill (Justin) Bauxite, Arkansas; grandchild Ronin; stepdaughter Julie Lambert (Tim) Medford, Massachusetts, grandchildren: Calvin Neville and Desmond (Ellie); stepdaughter Jill Boren (Curtis) Kansas City, Kansas, grandchildren: Rylee and Kayle; brothers and their families Dave Stewart (Connie) Overland Park, Kansas; Bob Stewart (Tammy) Dripping Springs, Texas; Paul Stewart (Julie) Wichita, Kansas, and Kenny Stewart (Diane) Highland, Kansas.
The visitation will be held from 4–6 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS. Ed will lie in state from 1-2 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, followed by the Celebration of Life from 2 – 4 pm all at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or Douglas County Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St STE C, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Ed was an outstanding basketball star, excellent singer, great friend and community member. He will be missed by those of us who knew him well. Condolences to Carol and his great family.
My sincere sympathy to Carol, Ed’s loving children and brothers. I have fond memories of the 16 years we were classmates; and, especially of Ed’s basketball talents. He will be greatly missed.
To the Ed Stewart family and Stewart Brothers. So sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father assuage your grief as you mourn the loss of a beloved Father, Grandfather, and brother. I spent many a day in the Stewart home growing up in beloved Highland Kansas, and have many fond memories of Ed, his wonderful Mom and Dad , and all the brothers! The “kinship “ I felt with the Stewarts is a cherished memory! My deepest condolences to all the Stewart family ! Psalm 116:15
I grew up with Ed in Highland and can not remember a world without his being there. He was part of a great family, all of whom were well liked and respected. Many of my strongest memories of Ed relate to his love for singing. He had a strong bass voice which he put to great use in a high school boys quartet. I remember many fun times with this foursome that he led. Our world has lost the “voice” of a strong but gentle man. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Ed, a great childhood friend! We made thousands of memories in our neighborhood growing up. We also made great memories on the basketball court and the football field. Highland High School had never been to the State Basketball tournament until Ed was the star center his sophomore year. We went again his Junior year posting the best record in the history of the school, only one loss. We almost went a third year, but lost at Tonganoxie in double overtime! He was a great end on the football team, and we had great success there also going undefeated his junior year. He had many other talents. If anyone was ever a hale fellow well met, Ed was it!
To Melinda and family, my heart goes out to you. Clearly, you got at least part of your loving spirit from your dad. Big hugs, sweet friend.
Dear Melinda & Family,
I don’t have the right words to say how sorry I am about Ed. Growing up, your dad was always a constant source of joy and stability for us. He was big hearted, hilarious, and just felt like a dad to all of us.
I loved him very much, and I can’t imagine how hard this is. I’ll always remember his generosity (for example: with his vehicles, van trip to worlds of fun what?!!) and his trusting, supportive heart. He helped show me how I want to be as a parent.
I’m just so sad.
Sending all my love to you, Carol, and your family.
Im so sorry for your loss.
Carol I’m so sorry for your loss
Our sincere condolences for your loss. The “STEWART BROTHERS” are definitely missing one of their stars…
Carol, Jill and Julie, so very sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. What a wonderful man. Hugs and love