Barney A. Stewart

Age 78 of Coal City, Illinois and formerly of Chicago, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at his home.

Born June 23, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois Barney was a son of Hugh Stewart and Emily (Joseph) Smolka. His career was that of a Stationary Engineer and he was a member of IUOE Local 399. Barney worked at various places throughout the years, but most notably at The Chicago Tribune and the Hotel InterContinental. He was a member of the Coal City Area Club, which aligned with his love of the outdoors and fishing. He took pleasure in gardening; trees, rocks and landscaping, and enjoyed science fiction both literary and on television. In addition, Barney was a woodworker and could often be found tinkering in the shed with his tools. He also had a great love for animals, particularly dogs. Gone from our sight, Barney leaves behind a legacy of great pride for his home and most importantly, his family.  

Survivors include his wife, Nancy (nee Harvey), whom he married June 9, 1972 in Chicago; two daughters: Elizabeth (Stephen) Scofield of Bristol, England and Debbie (Rich) Carollo of Aurora, Colorado; six grandchildren: Andi Stewart and Chris Fischer, whom were raised by Barney and Nancy, George Carollo and Kevin, Thomas and Anthony Stewart; one very special great granddaughter, Lizzy Marie; two brothers: Chris (the late Harriette) Smolka of Hawaii and Joey (Carol) Smolka of Colorado; one sister-in-law, Linda Harvey-Knight and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Troy Stewart; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roland and Victoria Harvey, and two brothers: Douglas Stewart and John Smolka.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service, 1:00 p.m. Rev. Jay Regennitter from the Coal City United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Barney’s memory to PAWS Chicago.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Barney’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815-634-2125)