CMSGT John Milton Stewart Ret.

John Milton Stewart of Scottsboro, AL peacefully passed away in the presence of loved ones on May 5 at the age of 87. While his strength, compassion, and kind spirit will be greatly missed, he will remain alive in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to have known him. He proudly served our country, beginning with 3½ years in the Alabama National Guard, Company B, 151st Engineer Combat Battalion. He then made the U.S. Air Force his career, with over 20 years of active duty and assignments that included 14 months in the Korean War theater, 12 months in the Vietnam War, 3 years in Libya, Africa, and many years in other international and U.S. locations. In 1970, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the Vietnam War. He also received Airman of the Year in 1961 and 1967, among several other medals and commendations. He spent the majority of his military career with the Strategic Air Command and retired as a U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant in 1971. John Milton began his life in Goosepond on September 27, 1930. He graduated from Jackson County High School in Scottsboro and the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a member of the Pen and Sword Fraternity. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and Disabled American Veterans. He was also a Master Mason for life in Lodge F&AM 120 in Biloxi, Mississippi. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1971, John Milton and his family returned to Scottsboro where he was actively involved in the First United Methodist Church and the Scottsboro Kiwanis Club until his passing. He was selected Kiwanian of the Year in 1998 and 2013 and held the sales record for pancake breakfast tickets for many years. He also proudly served on the Scottsboro City Council from 1979-1984. John Milton treasured his church, community, friends, and family. His wife of 60 years, Joanne Patterson Stewart, his daughters, Rosemary Stewart (and Harry) Kipreos and Ann Stewart Rezabek, and his sister, Lila Stewart Newman, survive him. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Amanda Kipreos (and Alex) Lyle, Nicolas Kipreos, and Rachel Rezabek, two great grandchildren, James and Julie Lyle, and many dear nieces and nephews. His parents, Herman and Sarah C. Stewart, and his siblings, Alvin Stewart, Louise Stewart Smart, and Winfred Stewart, preceded him in death. The family will receive friends during visitation on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Dr. Steven Screws and Dr. Larry Smart officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro in John Milton’s memory. Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home.

CMSGT John Milton Stewart Ret.

September 27, 1930 - May 5, 2018