David Lee Stewart passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, at Lee's Summit Medical Center, after a hard-fought journey with esophageal cancer. He was born May 26, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Betty Glover.
Dave is survived by his wife, Pat (Ziegenhorn) Stewart, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. They met after he moved to Muscatine, Iowa from Big Sandy, Tennessee. Dave then began working at Bandag/Bridgestone in a factory position, moved to an R&D role, and finally landed a position as a regional sales manager — a promotion that led to a move to Lee's Summit, Missouri in the early 2000s. He retired from Bandag/Bridgestone in 2018 after 45 years of service and countless hotels, car trips, and air miles.
Throughout the years Dave’s hobbies ranged from hunting, fishing, and boating to skiing, motorcycle riding and camping. Fishing was always in his blood; he worked as a commercial diver as a young man in Big Sandy, then dove for clam shells on the Mississippi River after moving to Muscatine, and fished with poles and trotlines for leisure throughout his life.
Dave and Pat embarked on a new adventure as camp hosts with Jackson County Parks & Rec, predominantly overseeing Lake Jacomo Campground after Dave retired. He was known for coaching new campers through backing into their camping spots, and for the mouthwatering smell of BBQ or Cajun food he always had cooking for friends and family in the park.
Music was especially important in Dave's life, from playing guitar with friends in garages to enjoying live music from some of his favorite artists. While he loved classic rock and '80s hair bands, his favorite Kansas City artist was Howard Mahan. (This is where he would show you several videos on his phone and tell you all about how he dreamed of being as good as Howard. Dad would want you to check him out.)
Whether he was collecting guitars, grilling equipment, cruising on vacations with family, or trading up motorcycles, campers, and boats, Dave knew what he wanted, along with all the accessories. This was a constant in his life — always striving for the next move up in toys, leisure, and life, and, by extension, giving some great adventures to his daughter, Heather, and granddaughter, Haley, whom he loved dearly.
He will be greatly missed by Pat; Heather Cohn & Jimmy Lacy; Haley Cohn & Shaun Rollins; brother Gary & Yana Dicus; sister Linda & Rick Hart; sister Susan & James Wilson; and many other family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Glover; stepfather, James Dicus; and sister, Sandra Dicus.
Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to join us for a bite to eat and time together at The Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave, Lee's Summit, MO 64063, on October 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
