Merle LeRoy Stewart's Obituary
Merle L. StewartMerle Stewart was born in Devil's Lake, North Dakota on January 15, 1934. After spending his early years in North Dakota, the family moved to Petes Mountain in West Linn, Oregon where he attended Stafford School and West Linn High School. He was Student Body President, and played football, basketball, and baseball. After High School he attended Portland State University, where he was a 3 sport college athlete, until he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Merle married Shirley Fox on June 11, 1954. He had a 33 year teaching career at Bolton Middle School in West Linn where he was blessed to teach all four of his children! He coached sports year round, and was known by his students and athletes as a kind, funny, supportive leader. Merle loved his family, friends, sports, the beach, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He never missed a game, traveling all around the state to support them. His proudest moments were spent celebrating with his children and grandchildren, and sharing stories of his teaching and coaching career. Through teaching, coaching, Lions Club and the Stephens Ministry, Merle's goal was to nurture and serve others. In his death, he will continue to educate as his brain has been donated to medical research in the area of dementia. Merle is preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 30 years. He is survived by four children, Toni (Gary) Chapman, Todd (Lisa) Stewart, Tracey Stewart, and Tina (John) Welle as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Please join us at a joyous Celebration of Life Open House at Bolton School on Saturday, September 27th between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. All are welcome.
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