Donald Leroy Stewart, best known as “Donny” age 59 of Kouts, Indiana and formerly of Ruth, California was sent to his eternal home as a result of a car accident on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Donny was born November 8, 1965 in Eureka, California and the world was never the same. The dictionary defines the word “character” as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual”. Donny’s character was one to adhere to through his love, compassion, generosity, and never ending humor. His burning passion for his faith in Christ impacted anyone he encountered. If you had the pleasure of knowing Donny you knew he loved everyone, with open arms, and was immensely cherished in return; even if he smothered his tacos in ketchup. This man of character would create a community everywhere he went and that community became his family.
Donny was an avid sports fan and mainly a huge USC Trojan fan. There was something about California that kept him coming back: whether it was the football team, the mountains, or the pesky woodpeckers, one does not know for sure; however, it certainly was the love for others that kept Donny rooted wherever he settled down. Donny was everyone’s Father, and Grandfather, but most importantly he was the rock in Lauri’s life. On March 2, 2002, he took Lauri’s hand in marriage and began their love story and the building of an amazing family together. Donny’s love for Lauri was admirable as it was fierce and steadfast. Lauri survives along with their loving children, Brittany (Josh) Murphy, Courtney Stewart, Anthony (Brenda) Boeckel, Christopher (Christy) Boeckel, Staciann (Sean) Nelson, Michael (Heather) Luczak, Jonathan (Will) Luczak and Charles (Emily) Horn; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and all those whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th 2025 at Cornerstone Community Church in Kouts, Indiana from 3pm to 5pm. A gathering for sharing stories to follow the service around a campfire.
GUESTBOOK
Donny was a true friend ! Even though we lived miles apart! We kept in touch by phone! The last time we talked we shared memories! I will miss our phone calls! -Bruce Pantzer
We love you Donny. We know you are with our Heavenly Father but we sure miss you. Wish we could be there with you, Lauri. Love you, my sweet friend. -Debbie and Jim Tinkelenberg
Our hearts go out to all friends and family. The loss was sad and sudden. Lauri, your marriage was always an inspiration. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. -Craig and Bree Eubanks
Donny was always my mother's favorite sales rep for our bridal shop. From Mary's bridal, DaVinci & more, he was always fun, honest and helpful. Never steered us wrong with what to buy for pur area. He always asked about our family and he always commented about how my son was 2 and could eat Spicy foods. (He loved Wasabi peas!) He will be missed by us! We always looked forward to seeing him! My mom has passed this past year as well. Maybe they can both hang out at the National Bridal Market in the Sky! -Justin Willison, Spring Lake Bridal
Donny was a man who made everybody feel like a somebody. You always left his presence feeling better than you did before. He was the type of man to show up for the people he loved, always, no matter what. Donny was my dad’s best friend. When my dad was going through some health issues last year, Donny was always there for him. Without fail. Even though they lived across the country from one another, Donny always made a point to call on my dad and check on him during those hard months. When grieving the loss of our beloved family-friend Donny as a family last week, my dad said to me, “We would talk every week or so. When I was going through all of my health issues, he always called me to check on me. Most people wouldn’t call because they didn’t even know what to say, but not him. He always called.” Donny was a man of integrity, love, and faith. I just know that Jesus welcomed him into Heaven with a big Donny-like squeeze and said “well done my good and faithful one.” He touched the lives of many and his legacy will live on to touch the lives of many more. We love you and will miss you until the end of time, Donny. -Kianna Maples (formerly Shumard)
Donny or “The Ever Lovin’” as his Grandma Johnnie used to call him…my friend of 42 years. Oh how I will miss you and your out of the blue phone calls to check on me and my family. Your love, your whit and incessant teasing…your love of horses, NOT lol. You loved everyone and looked after those you loved with a fierce sense of protection. My heart goes out to the love of your life Lauri, your children and grandchildren and all those you have touched. We were blessed to have you. The daffodils that bloom this coming year will have new meaning as I know they made you laugh at my Mom trying to get even with my Dad. Rest easy my friend.. until we meet again. -Kathy Crossman (Robinson)
Donny was a very big part of some of my favorite childhood memories. He was a loving and wonderful father to my best friend. He put up with all of our shenanigans and allowed us to be kids and be annoying. He would take us out on the lake for hours to tube, we would laugh and make memories. He was truly an amazing man with a big heart. Donny and Lori hosted many potlucks and dinners, they opened their house to anyone that wanted or needed a friend or fellowship. He would give you the shirt off his back and not think twice. Donny you are very missed but I know you are looking down on all of us wishing you could tell us all you are okay and in the loving hands of our heavenly father with no pain. Lori, Brittany and Courtney I am sending you all my love and hugs in this hard time! -Tierra DelBiaggio
Much love to you in this horrible time, Lauri. He and you saved my life. He was the best guy With the biggest heart I’ve ever known. I miss talking to him every day terribly. Such a shock, my heart has a huge hole in it. -Ron Calk
News of my cousin Donny’s passing brings a quiet weight. We were just two years apart, grew up in the same county, passed through the same family gatherings—but somehow always felt worlds apart. He was the son of my uncle, and now, like our fathers and grandparents before him, he’s become part of the family we remember rather than see. With each loss, the foundation shifts a little more, and we’re left to carry forward the names, the stories, and the moments that remain. May Donny find peace, and may those who knew him best hold close what mattered most. Marvin "Chip" Stewart and family. -Marvin Stewart
We know where Donny is! But, he is still missed in this life. Thank you Lord for comforting those who miss him. -Trish Maldonado
