Attica - Arthur "Art" Raymond Stewart Sr., 80 of Independence, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023 ay 5:53 a.m. in the I.U. Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette.
Art was born in Rob Roy, Indiana on August 30, 1942.  He was the son of the late Paul Adrian Stewart and Mary Elizabeth (Swaney) VanLaere.  Art was raised in Attica, graduating from Attica High School in 1960.  Art formerly worked at C & D Battery in Attica and later worked as a chef at various restaurants in and around Attica, including the Attica Hotel, West Point Bar & Grill, Our Place and more recently Robies.  Art was known for his cooking and baking skills, which included his Prime Rib and steaks.  He was an excellent baker and was noted for his delicious pies.  His wife Sharon complained that "he never baked a pie for her".
Art had formerly served in the Indiana National Guard.  He formerly enjoyed fishing and was an avid painter, working with oils and acrylics.  He also enjoyed raising a garden at his home.
Art was first married to Nancy Jane Smith on December 22, 1962 in Attica.  Nancy preceded in death on July 14, 2008.  He later married Sharon Ann (Cooper) Thrush on May 13, 2010 in Independence.
Art leaves behind his wife, Sharon of 13 years along with two daughters, Jane (Robert) Perry, Greenwood, IN and Melodie Stewart, Battle Ground, IN; three sisters, Betty Clawson, Mulberry; Pearl Beasley, Attica and Edda VanLaere, Tampa, FL; eight grandchildren, Ashley Davis, Michelle Stewart, Zackary Stewart, Christina Cross, Craig Cross, Miranda Wilson, Alivia Stewart and Dustin Stewart; nineteen great-grandchildren.  Art was preceded in death by three sons, Arthur "Arty" R. Stewart Jr., Mark Stewart and Melvin Stewart; three sisters, Marge Ridge, Geraldine Stewart and Garnett Stewart; five brothers, Archie "Buddy" Stewart, Elmer Eugene Stewart, Paul William Booe, Harold Leroy Stewart and Bobbie Dean Stewart.
Friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica, on Friday, August 11th, from 5:00 p.m. until the service time at 8:00 p.m.with Pastor Cathy McCoy officiating.   Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Fund.