Rev. Dr. Larry Stewart

July 3, 1958 ~ February 6, 2019
Reverend Dr. Larry Stewart died Wednesday, February 6th, after a courageous battle with ALS. He died as he lived his life with unwavering faith, the strongest of loves, and a gentleness that assured the most troubled heart. Larry was born on July 3rd, 1958 to Jessie Lou (Crawfordsville) and Alan H. Stewart (deceased). He has a brother, Steve (New Ross) and a sister Marta Sweek (Crawfordsville). He has many nieces and nephews.
Larry was married to Debbie Brinley on December 19, 1981. They have three children, Michael (Susan) Stewart, JesAlana (Greg Thomas), and Nathan. They have one grandchild, Alan Jan Landon Stewart.
Larry was a graduate of DePauw University, Duke University, and Christian Theological Seminary. He held a doctorate in Pastoral Counseling and volunteered his services at St. Thomas More clinic in Mooresville. He served at churches in Lizton, Vincennes, Hanover, Indianapolis, and Plainfield. He worked as a chaplain for a hospice company and at St. Francis Hospital. Wherever he served he brought the peace of Christ and that love and peace is magnified today as Larry is welcomed home.
Services are at Carlisle Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville on Monday, February 11th. The viewing is from 4-7pm. The service will follow at 7pm. Reverend P.T. Wilson will officiate. A children’s chat will be given by Larry’s son, Nathan.
Please visit www.carlislebranson.com to sign Dr. Stewart’s online guestbook.
I am sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Larry! I so enjoyed Larry when he as associate pastor at PUMC. But I just kept running into him after that! First when a very dear friend was in hospice, and he was the pastor at that wonderful care center, and then again when my mom was at St. Francis. It always meant to so much to me to see a friendly and recognizable face during those difficult times. What a blessing he was to so many with his faithful work.
Remembering the faithful joy, spiritual growth and humor that Larry brought to us as members of Hanover United Methodist Church. We celebrate his freedom from disease and the legacy of his family. Our hearts are with you even though we are currently in Florida. We are praying for comfort at this difficult time in the knowledge that because of Jesus Christ this separation is only temporary! God bless you all.
Larry was a childhood friend who attended church and Bible School with our family. At my mother’s funeral he performed the service and involved all of us in a wonderful rendition of some of the more popular Bible School songs that my mother had led. He made mom’s funeral a very personal heartfelt occasion. Our deepest sympathies go out to all his family. He was a wonderful person who will be remembered fondly. Sincerely, Nana Rising
Larry was a wonderful person to know personally and professionally. Getting to know him and his family was a blessing and he will be forever missed.
Sending special thoughts and prayers to the family of Larry Stewart. I am so sorry that he couldn’t get well and still be with us on Earth! I know he is now at total peace in God’s house and free from ALS! Larry’s spirit will be felt all around us. He will never be forgotten! Larry was a friend and awesome person. He will be missed! May thoughts and prayers of others be of comfort in this time of grief. Mollie Hylton
Larry and I served different churches in Vincennes at the beginning of my ministry. He was Associate at Vincennes First UMC, and I was at Wabash UMC. We gathered with other UMC pastors for a covenant group. Larry and I also roomed together on a trip to the Holy Land in February, 1989 and had a ball on the tour, and looking for pastry shops, etc. during “down time” when the older folks were in bed! We were two of only about 8 under age 30 on a tour mostly consisting of retired folks. We jokingly called ourselves the “Baby boomer crew.” Larry was a compassionate, adventurous, faithful son of the Kingdom. It was a pleasure to know him.
Larry and Debby were both wonderful people and served us well at Vincennes First UMC. Can’t believe Larry died as a result of ALS. My husband, Randy, also died of ALS in 2016. My heart goes out to Deb and the family as we know what you have gone through.
Larry’s heart, spirit and friendship will be missed. He was always insightful and a blessing to many. Todd Outcalt
I was one of the nurses at St. Francis. He would visit the patients, be an advocate for them as well as the staff. Always took time to just offer a chat. Grace as nd peace to his family. He made a difference in this life. Monica Lively
Larry was instrumental in my faith journey. He baptized two of our children. He was kind, gentle and funny. He was a loving husband and father. He was an insightful theologian and a devoted pastor. He gave the best sermon I’ve ever heard on Judas Iscariot. I wish I had a copy. He loved Veggie Tales. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever known. I can just picture him with his head thrown back, laughing with Jesus. My family and I send our love and condolences to Deb and the children. We are praying for you. This world is a better place because Larry was in it.
I will always be so grateful for the Stewart’s family for welcoming me as one of their own during Xmas 2012. The outpouring of unconditional love I receive that year will always be engraved in my memory, and I will always see Larry as the founder as this amazing family. He has brought up wonderful children and was such a loving man. We shared a a common interest in the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy” and somehow this is how we connected. I am forever grateful to have had the chance to cross paths with such a kind man. Rest in peace, Larry, you lived a life full of loved and laughter, and will always be in ur hearts.
I had the pleasure of working with Larry @ Franciscan he is a true Man of God. Mark Allen Franciscan Health Safety & Security Indianapolis. Rest in Peace my Friend
Although I lost touch with Larry after DePauw, I am not surprised to learn that he lived a life of service. A good and faithful servant. I’m praying for Larry and everyone he loves. The Rev Dr Lisa Belcher Hamilton DPU ‘80
Larry was a member of our Tuesday prayer group — he was a faith filled man of God with great devotion to Jesus and to his family. I am grateful to have been able to share prayer group with him for many years. Mary Kendall
Larry & my younger brothers grew up together. The Bratton family will always be grateful to Larry for helping us through Bill’s death & funeral. It is obvious that Larry lived & walked his faith. May God’s grace comfort his family during this difficult time. Sue Bratton
Debbie, Michael, JesAlana and Nathan – We are so sorry we are unable to be there. Dad went to mass this morning and asked for prayers for Larry, and of course, there were many. Larry was a good man. I still remember going to Vincennes years ago when Tony was maybe 2 years old and how you all welcomed us into your home. Still don’t understand the noodle and mash potato thing, though. xox Carol
My thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s family. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with Larry at Franciscan Mooresville when I was in marketing. He was always smiling and genuinely enjoyed getting to know people. He will be greatly missed.
Larry and I met through our mutual friend and mentor, the Rev. Ron Mercer, with whom we had both served during our respective ministerial careers. Larry was always cheerful, kind, and ready to fellowship and exchange ideas about ministry with his colleagues. We will miss him a great deal. May Larry’s family find comfort and peace in the presence of God during this time of grieving.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Sickness and death was never part of our Creator’s purpose for humankind. He created us to live forever in a beautiful paradise free from sickness, pain and even death. Please know that God yearns to fulfill his promises for his creation and will soon end death forever and bring back to life your dear loved one. (Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 37:11; Acts 24:15)
I didn’t know until this week that Larry had passed and I am so sorry to hear it. I met Larry at The Living School in Albuquerque, NM. He was originally put in our “circle group,” but eventually changed groups. I reached out a couple of times over email to check in with him and now I know why I did not receive a response. I want Larry’s family to know that although I did not know him long, he was a very kind and inviting man. I was one of the few younger people in the program and he pulled me aside on one of the first days and told me how glad he was that I was there. He gave me confidence in myself and so much encouragement.