Paul Stewart's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that the family of Paul Barnes Stewart, of Denver, North Carolina, announces his death. Paul died on January 18, 2026, at the age of 96, while residing at Abernathy Laurels in Newton, where he had lived for the past four years. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease, combined with a recent battle with pneumonia, proved too much to overcome.
Paul was born on June 21, 1929, to John H. and Myrtle M. Stewart in the Nevin community of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jean Brown Stewart, who passed away four years ago; his brothers, William and Howard; and his sisters, Blanche and Gussie. He is survived by his sister, Alice Stewart, of Montreal, Canada.
Paul is also survived by his three children, Phyllis (Art) Cochran, Tim (Penny) Stewart, and Beth (Rob) Myers. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Casey (Ben) Unger, Sam (Jamie) Cochran, Ashlee (Justin) Knight, George Stewart, and Bekka Myers; and five great-grandchildren, William and Audrey Unger, Shelby and Colt Cochran, and Elvie Knight. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.
During his life, Paul proudly served in the U.S. Army and was actively involved in three churches. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Mecklenburg Shrine Club, a founding member of the Oasis Dune Cats, the South Atlantic Well Drillers Association, and two RV camping groups. As a young man, Paul began working in the water well and pump business alongside his father and went on to build his own successful company, Stewart Pump and Well. One of his proudest accomplishments was taking flying lessons, owning his own plane, and becoming a pilot in his sixties.
To say that Paul enjoyed being around people is an understatement. He made friends wherever he went and maintained a positive outlook in every situation. Paul loved telling stories to anyone who would listen and delighted in taking friends along for a ride—though once you went with Paul, there was no telling when you might return. His laughter, boundless energy, and genuine friendliness will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Webbs Chapel Methodist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors in the Fellowship Hall following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Webbs Chapel Methodist Church,
4640 Webbs Chapel Church Rd., Denver, NC 28037.
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