Marvin Eugene "Gene" Steward

Marvin Eugene “Gene” Steward, 95, of Bald Knob, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Oakdale Nursing Home. He was born December 15, 1927 in Bald Knob to the late Murrell and Lillian (Richards) Steward. He is survived by 2 daughters, Marcia Ables (Kevin) and Gina Bunker as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Eugene was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean Steward; and infant daughter; one brother; four sisters and son-in-law, Kent Bunker. He grew up on the family farm and attended Bald Knob Schools, graduating in 1948. While there he played football, basketball and ran track. After graduating, Gene drove a dump truck for Sullivan and Fletcher Trucking Company. He obtained his Arkansas Funeral Directors License and worked for the Hale Funeral Home. After several years serving the community of Bald Knob, he was employed by Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. In 1969, he began a career with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department where he was a motor patrol operator for many years. He advanced to the position of Area Foreman and retired in 1989. Not being the type to sit around, Gene went back to work driving a dump truck for Searcy Asphalt and Materials and retired from that role in 1999. Gene enjoyed spending time with family and friends, raising cattle and horses, working on the farm, raising a garden and watching the Razorbacks play and traveling to games with the Back of the Bus Razorbackers. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Jaycees, Cattleman’s Association and the Back of the Bus Razorbackers. He was also a member of the White County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol, had served as a member of the Bald Knob Volunteer Fire Department where he served as chief for several years and had refereed football for 25 years. Gene also held a lifetime funeral director’s license. Gene was dearly loved and admired by his family, friends and all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Shady Grove Cemetery in Bald Knob with Bro. Caleb Decker officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Homes. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

Marvin Eugene "Gene" Steward

December 15, 1927 - December 31, 2022