Raymond P. Stewart

Raymond P. Stewart, 90, passed away on August 13, 2009 at the Envoy Nursing Home, Denton MD. The son of John N. and Nanny Johnson, Benson, Stewart, he was born August 28, 1918 on the family farm in Deep Neck, Royal Oak, MD. He graduated from St. Michaels High School in 1936 and afterwards married Mildred Soulsman with whom he had two children. He farmed until WWII. During the war they moved to Baltimore. He worked in the Baltimore Shipyard where he was sent to a welding school and afterwards worked on the Navy Ship, USS Molly Brown. They later returned to Royal Oak where he again farmed, worked for an auto body shop in Easton and then took a job with C. Albert Matthews Plumbing & Heating in Easton, MD for 13 years. In 1959 he married Anna Belle Price Blades and raised three step-sons. In 1970, he started his own businesses: “The Chesapeake Canvas Co”. and “The Tidewater Yacht Sales”. The canvas company was sold in 1982 and the yacht company in 1986. After Anna Belle’s death in 1995, he married Shirlee Harrington in 1999 during which time he took a part time job as Dock Master with Higgins Yacht Yard, in St. Michaels on weekends. Mr. Stewart loved sailing and spent many hours on the water. He was a member of the Royal Oak United Methodist Church, a member and Past Commander of the Miles River Power Squadron, a member of the District 5 Power Squadron, and a member of the Miles River Yacht Club, The Chesapeake Maritime Museum and the St. Michaels Model Boat Club. He is survived by his two children, Joyce Prahl of Cambridge, MD, and Raymond P. Stewart, Jr. of Felton, DE, three step-sons; Edward B. Blades of Parkton, MD, Hughbert C. Blades of Salisbury, MD and Roy B. Blades of Royal Oak, MD; 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Shirlee, a brother Norman J. Stewart, three half-brothers: John, Frank, and William Benson; a half-sister, Sally Harper. Also, a grand-daughter, Elizabeth Marie Stewart and daughter-in-law, Olive M. Stewart. Services will be held 2:30 PM at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Easton, MD on Monday, August 17, 2009 where friends may call one hour before. Burial will be private at the Woodlawn Memorial Park, Easton, MD. Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Oak Community United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. (www.fhnfuneralhome)

Raymond P. Stewart

August 28, 1918 - August 13, 2009