Pastor Charles E. Stewart

Pastor Charles E. Stewart, 90, of Ashland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, December 31, 2018, in the comfort of his residence, with his family by his side.
He was born July 26, 1928, in Ashland, Ky., a son of the late Thurston and Pauline Nolte Stewart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Ivan Stewart, Clarence Stewart and Leona Williams.
He was a graduate of Ashland High School where he was manager for the Tomcats sports.
Pastor Stewart began his ministry at Leach Station Baptist Church in Catlettsburg, Ky. where he remained from 1957-1964. He then Pastored Grace Baptist Church in Ceredo, W.Va. from 1957-1964; Rose Hill Baptist Church in Ashland from 1964-1994, and currently was the Pastor Emeritus at Rose Hill Baptist Church and Chancellor at Rose Hill Christian School since 1994.
Charles was a bi-vocational minister, working at Kentucky, West Virginia Gas Company from 1947-1985.
During his ministry he held association positions as Director of Missions, and Moderator of the Greater Huntington Association; Moderator and Director of Evangelism of the Greenup Association.
His State Positions included, Committee on Committees, Committee on Nomination, Executive Board and Past President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
He served on the Southern Baptist Committee on Committees, President of BIVO Pastors Association and was selected BIVO Pastor of the year.
During his time at Rose Hill Baptist Church membership grew from 83 to 3000 members in 30 years. The church was named in the Top ten Churches in State Baptisms, Top five Churches in State for Vacation Bible School, Top twelve churches in the state Bible study awards.
In October 1981 the church completed a 1,000 seat auditorium. In 1979 Rose Hill Christian School was opened. During his years as pastor the church started five missions; Grace Baptist Church in Flatwoods, Ky. 1987, Rush Baptist Chapel in Rush, Ky., Fellowship Baptist Chapel in South Shore, Ky.; First Southern Baptist Chapel in South Point, Ohio, and Garner Baptist Church in Ashland, Ky.
Pastor Stewart served the Ashland Community as Past Captain for Boyd County United Fund Drive, Past President of High School Athletic Booster, Past President of Little League Baseball, Past Chairman of Appalachian Gas Measurement Short Course held at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Penn.
He enjoyed extensive travel including, Israel, Egypt, Rome, Jordan, Athens, Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, Russia, Australia, Korea and England.
He conducted revivals in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Washington, Tennessee, Nova Scotia, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, England, Korea, Venezuela Brazil and Russia.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 69 and a half years, Clara Lee Fleming Stewart of Ashland; son, Daniel E. Stewart (Valerie) of Pawleys Island, S.C.; daughters, Joy Lee Huff of Ashland, Nancy Lynn Cantrell (Kevin) of Tampa, Fla., and Reva Jean Lavender (Michael) of Lexington, Ky.; grandchildren, Tara Cooper, Joshua Floyd, Justin Huff, Jordan Lavender and Emily Lavender; 5 great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2018 at Rose Hill Baptist Church with Pastors Matt Shamblin, Jim Nichols and Paul Badget officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2018 at the church and from Noon until service time on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rose Hill Christian School or to Rose Hill Baptist Church, 1001 Winslow Rd, Ashland, Ky. 41102.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel.
To share a remembrance of Pastor Stewart, or to express a condolence to his family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.

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