Deacon Michael Lee Steward, Sr. 82, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Michael was born April 5, 1940, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the son of Hobert and Mary (Roberts) Steward. He married Mattie Pennington on May 10, 1995, in Galesburg.
Michael is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mattie Steward of Galesburg; one son, Cory Mitchell of Galesburg; two daughters, Yvette (Marco) Garcia of Galesburg and Kimberly (the late Rev. Dr. Darrell) Bagwell of Laveen, Arizona; twenty grandchildren, including two whom he helped raised, Craig Steward and Sharnae (Percy) Jackson; thirteen great grandchildren and one on the way and one great great grandchild. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive Michael. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ivan Craig Steward and Michael L. Steward, Jr., four brothers, James, Richard, David and Maman Steward and three sisters, Mamie Graham, Annetta Campbell, Margaret Bryant.
Michael worked as a carman for Burlington Northern Railroad for 29 years, retiring in 2001. After retirement he enjoyed spending his time fishing. He also had a love for time spent barbequing, playing Spades and Dominoes with his family.
Michael was ordained a deacon and was a faithful servant at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He later became a member of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He devoted much of his time with the church’s Brotherhood Auxiliary, drove the pick-up van on Sunday mornings, was the fix-it- man, and served on the prayer committee.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Toby Carlos is officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Livestream of services will be available via the funeral website www.h-p-w.com or the funeral homes Facebook page. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
