Stephen C. Stewart

LIMAStephen C. Stewart, 74, of New Haven, Ind., formerly of Lima, died June 8, 2012, at Kindred Transitional Care, Fort Wayne, Ind.He was born in Lima to William “Ted” and Ruth Brunk Stewart. His loving wife of 34 years, Margaret Stewart, survives.Mr. Stewart was a 1956 graduate of Lima Senior High School. While a senior in high school he designed the “Spartan” head, which is still being used to this day as the special sign of the school. During the last two years of high school, he was enrolled in the U.S. Navy Reserve and upon graduation he served in the regular Navy for two more years. It was a rewarding experience for him as it was a chance to travel to many interesting places during a peaceful period in history. After returning home from the service in 1962, he attended Ohio University in Athens for a brief period, majoring in art, which was a talent he greatly enjoyed. In 1963, he was offered a job with the Lincoln Engraving Company in Fort Wayne, Ind. He moved to Indiana and remained there the rest of his life.After a short time with Lincoln Engraving, he left and became a salesman for Allen Business Machines, a position he held for 25 years. When computers overtook typewriters, and not being interested in the computer technology, he changed careers and began in the jewelry business, working for the Shane Co. and then Peter Franklin Jewelers. He was a designer and salesman of fine jewelry, primarily at the Peter Franklin DuPont Road store from 1995 until retiring in 2010. He was a dedicated animal lover, especially cats and a member of the Fort Wayne, Ind., Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Survivors also include two daughters, Jennifer (Paul) Lacasse, of Windsor, Canada, and Jill (David) Hamann, of Hinesville, Ga.; two granddaughters, Melina Sharin and Mia Hamann; five stepchildren, Michael (Pam) Masterson, of Powell, Wyo., Gary (Bonnie) Masterson, of Wabash, Ind., Mark (Judy) Masterson, of Beavercreek, David (Becky) Masterson, of Berne, Ind., and Barbara (Lynn) Bradtmueller of New Haven, Ind.; and 16 stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.Services will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 E., New Haven, Ind. Pastor Jeff Elliott will officiate. Burial will be in Stahl Cemetery, Bluffton, Ind.Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.Memorial contributions may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Condolences may be expressed at harperfuneralhome.com.