Robert Dean “Dean” Stewart, 84, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Dean was born Nov. 23, 1940, in Manhattan, KS, the first of two sons to Raymond and Anna Genievieve “Viva” (Marker) Stewart. He attended Nickerson High School where he met his future wife, Karen Lou Lowery, and graduated in 1958.
He continued his education at Hutchinson Junior College, Kansas State University, and Emporia State Teacher’s College, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
In 1962 he married his love, Karen Lou Lowrey, and they remained by each other’s side for the next almost 63 years. They raised three sons, Chris, David and Eric.
Dean began his professional career as a schoolteacher in Topeka, KS, until moving his young family to McPherson in 1973 to enter the construction business.
Dean left his mark all over McPherson and the region as co-owner of Stewart-Ediger Construction. He took great pride in building high-quality homes for area families. Dean also had a hand in many local commercial jobs, including the Farmer’s Alliance Insurance building in McPherson and others reaching into Hutchinson, Salina and Wichita. His work also extended to civic projects. Dean was especially proud of the pergolas and other improvements enjoyed by generations on the McPherson County Courthouse grounds.
As young parents, Dean and Karen kept Coleman in business – purchasing all sorts of gadgets, coolers, camp stoves and lanterns – used on family outings as close as the McPherson State Fishing Lake to as far away as western Colorado and the Ozarks. Over those early years the family graduated from a stuffy canvas umbrella tent to a pop-up camper, Coleman of course.
As a boy, Dean entered Scouts alongside his brother and best friend, Evan. Both earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Dean remained active in the Boy Scouts as an adult leader in many capacities, including Scoutmaster of Troop 117. Following their father’s example, his sons and grandson all earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Dean also shared many campouts and summer camps with his sons, including expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Through his selfless volunteer work, Dean was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, Scouting’s highest adult honor.
His love of camping never waned – though he and Karen made it a lot more comfortable by purchasing an RV after retirement. Their first trip was north across the continent to Alaska. Dean became a fixture throughout the RV community. He and Karen continued their travels widely across the U.S. spending parts of years in Arizona and Texas and traveling to other states due to Dean’s executive positions in the Newmar Kountry Klub and Good Sam Club. They also managed the RV park during the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson in recent years.
Dean was a member of the McPherson First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, serving on many committees and at times a trustee. For years, alongside Karen, he helped greet Sunday worshippers at the church.
He was a member of the McPherson Optimist Club and McPherson Area Contractors Association. Dean was also an early and key advocate for the Central Kansas Conservancy which helped bring to reality the Meadowlark Trail, the McPherson to Lindsborg rails-to-trails project.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Roy and Mae Lowrey; his brother and sister-in-law, Evan and Karen Rae Stewart; and brother-in-law Martin Redington.
Dean is survived by his wife, Karen, and three sons and their spouses: Chris Stewart (Lisa Powell) of Dayton, OH; David (Amy) Stewart, Overland Park, KS; and Eric (Shani) Stewart, of Overland Park, KS. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Addison (Stephen) Pierce of Grinnell, IA; grandson Samuel Stewart, Prairie Village, KS, and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving is special sister-in-law, Phyllis Redington of Wichita, KS. A number of cousins along with his nephews, nieces and their children survive.
Dean was also the doting and proud pop to many beloved pups over the years.
Had Dean been able to hear during the final moments of his life, he would have heard his wife Karen telling him how much she loved him and his sons singing – the best they could – the Boy Scout Vespers:
Softly falls the light of day, While our campfire fades away. Silently each Scout should ask Have I done my daily task? Have I kept my honor bright? Can I guiltless sleep tonight? Have I done and have I dared Everything to be prepared?
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 28, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Conard officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow the service at McPherson Cemetery. The family will host a luncheon back at the church following the burial.
Memorial donations may be given to Scout Troop 117, Good Sam Club, First United Methodist Church, Central Kansas Conservancy, or McPherson Senior Center in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.