Kendal Stewart

Kendal Stewart, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on September 28, 2025, at the age of 77.

Born and raised in the mountains of Kentucky, Kendal carried with him the strength, humility, and grit of his Appalachian roots throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he learned discipline, leadership, and the value of service beyond self.

Following his military service, Kendal poured himself into his work, becoming a successful entrepreneur. He built his businesses with the same hard work and determination that marked every part of his life. He believed in providing for his family, serving others with integrity, and leaving behind a legacy of perseverance.

To those who knew him best, Kendal was more than his given name. He was “Snooks, Kendal with one L, Papaw, Tutu, Uncle Buck, and Paps.” Each nickname carried with it a story of love, laughter, and the special bond he shared with family and friends.

More than his accomplishments, Kendal will be remembered for the way he loved. He was a man who worked hard and loved well—always putting family first, always lending a hand, and always pointing those around him to the hope found in Jesus Christ. His faith was not just spoken but lived, and it gave him peace in life and confidence in eternity.

Kendal’s life was blessed in countless ways, not least through his marriage to Grace Stewart. Long before meeting her, he crossed paths with her mother, “Maw,” a meeting undoubtedly divinely orchestrated. Maw knew no stranger. She wore a flower in her hair everyday and loved my dad after meeting him as a customer who would visit the cafe where she worked. When Kendal later married her daughter Grace, he gained not only a wife but also the Stanley family, whom he loved as his own.

He often said how grateful he was to be welcomed so warmly into their lives, and the joy they brought him was immeasurable. Among his special bonds was one with a little 6 year old girl named Piper, who adored him and proudly called him her “favorite old man,” and affectionately gave him the nickname, “Tutu,” the origin of which nobody can explain.

He is survived by his wife Grace Stewart; his children Julie Hedenborg, Missy Doerting, Mindy Blodgett, and Jordan Stewart; his grandchildren Alli Stewart, Jesse Sanders, Elisabeth Riley, Anders Hedenborg, Kendal Grace Hedenborg, Ava Blodgett, and Gavin Blodgett; and his great-grandchildren Kaeleb Stewart, Kaisen Stewart, and Kennedy Stewart, who will carry his memory forward with gratitude for the example he set.  He is survived by his siblings: Margaret Halcomb, Wanda Davis, Paul Stewart, and Imogene Burton. Siblings who preceded him in death: Rose Stewart, Walter Stewart, Ruth Miracle, and Jerry Lou Stewart.

We rejoice knowing that Kendal has entered into his eternal rest, where his faith has become sight. As Scripture says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

A visitation will be 6pm-8pm Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Clark Legacy Center, 601 East Brannon Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356.  A Visitation will be 12pm-1pm Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the funeral home followed by a service at 1pm.  Burial to follow in Camp Nelson National Cemetery at 2:30pm with a reception following until 5:30pm at Clark Legacy Center, Nicholasville, KY.  Friends and family are invited to join in remembering a life well lived and a man who leaves behind not just memories, but a testimony of God’s goodness.