Larry Steward Obituary

Larry W. Steward, age 79, of Piedmont passed away Oct 31, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He lost a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was ready to go to his heavenly home. Larry was blessed to spend his final year on the family farm that he had longed to come back to. Preceding him in death are his parents, Marvin and Rebecca (Shanks) Steward, twin sister Sally Ann Steward, and sister Mary Jane Steward. Larry married the love of his life, Elaine (Bilbrey), 57 years ago. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three daughters. Survivors include wife Elaine, daughters, Tonya Miller and husband Brad of Piedmont, Amber Griggs and husband Brent of Piedmont, and Melissa Woods and husband Andy of Farmington. Grandchildren, Grant Miller and wife Jayla, McKenzie Miller, Connor Miller, Preston Griggs, Kendra Griggs, Taylor Woods, Kylie Woods, and Jentry Woods. Great granddaughter Brynlee Miller. Brothers Joe Steward and wife Helen of Piedmont and Lon Steward of Prince George, VA and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, along with many cousins and friends. He graduated Greenville High School in 1964 and then served six years in the Army National Guard. Larry retired after thirty years as a supervisor for the Missouri Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety. Retirement never slowed him down. He continued working as a painter with a cousin and painted the rotunda at the Missouri State Capitol. He was a talented handyman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He and Elaine also mowed and cared for the Duncan Cemetery grounds for several years. Larry was a faithful member of Harvest Baptist Church for more than twenty years and served as a trustee. He was a member of the Williamsville Lions club for more than forty years serving as an officer for many of those years and earning the Melvin Jones award. Labor Day weekends he could always be found behind the grill in the Lions Club cook shack and organizing the holiday parade. Larry served as a volunteer fireman until his health declined but remained on the board of the Black River Fire Department. Years ago, he coordinated the Williamsville Neighborhood Watch program while also serving as a reserve deputy for the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. Larry was instrumental in organizing the Veterans' Memorial located on the Williamsville Community Center grounds. One of Larry's favorite hobbies included fishing with the Williamsville Mini-Mart morning crew. He also enjoyed driving his tractor and when he had horses, caring for them. Larry had many years of enjoyment watching his daughters and grandchildren playing sports and attending their activities. Larry lived a life of service, dedication, and integrity. He was grateful for the blessings God gave him, especially his family, whom he cherished above all else. Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Friday, November 7, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 8, 2025, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Pete Ruble ministered to the family. Special recorded songs from granddaughter McKenzie were offered. Brad Miller, Brent Miller, Joe Steward, Andy Woods, Grant Miller, and Conner Miller served as pallbearers. Preston Griggs and Jentry Woods served as honorary pallbearers. A procession including a Williamsville City Fire Truck and several road tractors accompanied the procession to Duncan Cemetery, rural Piedmont, MO, where burial was held. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com
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