February 2015
Chester “Chet” Stewart, L23883, a former Rocky Mountain Area national vice president, immersed himself in many organizations. But perhaps none brought him greater joy than FMCA.
“In his retirement years, that was the thing he liked best, traveling, seeing the country, and being friends with all those people in (FMCA). He really, truly loved it,” said his daughter, Deborah Stewart-Selander.
Chet died July 22, 2014, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was 92.
“He liked to involve himself,” she said. “It was no surprise to me that within (FMCA) he wanted to do different things.”
Chet joined FMCA in 1976 and was national vice president, Rocky Mountain Area, from 1992-1996. He also served at the national level on several committees: Insurance (1984-1986 and 1991-2001, including chairman from 1985-1986 and 1995-1996); Convention (1995-1996); Constitution and Bylaws (1993-1994); Membership/Member Services (1992-1996); Finance (1994-1995); and Nominating chairman (1992-1993).
The Insurance Committee was a natural for Chet, who owned and operated Stewart Insurance in Colorado Springs for 48 years.
“I just don’t remember ever not having an RV at our house,” Deborah said. “I remember being young and going to Canada and all kinds of other places.”
Chet’s first wife, Ruth “Bunny” Stewart, was his traveling companion until her death in 1996. In 1998, he married Alva Anderson, who survives him.
“I think between my mom and dad, and my dad and Alva, they probably hit just about every state,” his daughter said. “I don’t remember him ever saying he really liked any place over another, except Colorado. He loved Colorado.”
He was active in many fraternal and veterans organizations, including the Freemasons, American Legion, Moose, Elks, and Al Kaly Shriners. He was national commander of the Shrine Legion of Honor.
Chet was born April 30, 1922, in Pikeville, Kentucky. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served stateside during World War II as a communications specialist, Deborah said. After the war, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and received a commission in the Air Force Reserves. He had achieved the rank of
major when he retired after 26 years of military service.
Besides Alva and Deborah, survivors include a brother and sister; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.