of Batesville, AR
November 12, 1942 - April 1, 2014
Gene Franklin Stewart, age 71, died Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Batesville, Arkansas of complications from surgery.
He was born at Batesville on November 12, 1942 and was the son of Russell and Alice (Linebarger) Stewart, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paula Brent Stewart; his sister, Sandra Stewart Jenkins and her husband, Bill Young; his nieces and nephews, Derick Jenkins and wife Sharon, Amanda Jenkins Cothren and husband Russell, Josh Jenkins and wife Katie, Laura Jenkins Caldwell and husband Justin, Melody Cagle Qualls and husband Bo; and eight great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his favorite dog, Toot, and Chocolate, Julie, Pumpkin, Chevy, Sweetie and Deamer; and his cats, Bo Diddly and Little Bo.
Gene graduated from Oil Trough High School in 1959 and attended Harding University and Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA).
Gene was deejay and news director at KBTA in Batesville and KCON in Conway, then the ''Mighty 1090, 50,000 watts KAAY in Little Rock,'' where he was Gene Stewart to music fans and Frank Woods, news director to Comex News.
Early on, Gene developed a keen interest in police, fire and emergency work and flying. He was a firefighter for the Batesville and Conway fire departments and a first responder for the J&J Ambulance Service of Conway.
Gene was a graduate of the Little Rock Police Recruit School No. 25. He was the police and fire reporter, a producer, writer and news editor for Eyewitness News 4, KARK, and a reporter for the Sky 4 Eyewitness News helicopter. In 1977, Gene left Channel 4 to accept the job as patrol sergeant and information officer for the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department. For several years, Gene flew the daily traffic watch over Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County in all types of weather. The reports were carried on several Little Rock area radio stations, and ''Sgt. Gene's'' air traffic reports were depended on by thousands of motorists.
In the 1980s he went back to his police reporting job at Channel 4.
Gene was also a former news director of the WRD Entertainment group of radio stations.
Gene received numerous awards for his reporting and video production. Working with his longtime friend and fellow photographer and Channel 4 chief photographer, Lewis Short, they took home a first place national award for a video produced for the Arkansas State Police promoting traffic safety.
Gene was a former vice president of the Humane Society of Pulaski County, a current member of the board of directors of the Humane Society of Independence County and was recognized by the Arkansas Veterinary Association for his work to help homeless and helpless animals.
At one point Gene was selected as police officer of the month for a unique program he designed, making it easier for emergency personnel to obtain medical information about a patient at the scene of a medical emergency. The information was placed in a container called the ''vial of life'' and was put in a common spot in homes.
At one time Gene had more than 50,000 of the vials in homes and businesses in the central Arkansas area. They were actually plastic vials, parts of equipment donated (recycled) by the V.A. Hospital. This turned out to be one of the early recycling programs.
Gene was also the first nationally certified legal video specialist in Arkansas with training in Nashville, Tenn., Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago, Ill.
He once was selected to produce a music program with Jimmy Driftwood featuring Mountain View ''mountain-type'' music. It was played around the world on the ''Voice of America.'' Gene was a local reporter for the Associated Press and United Press International.
Gene was selected to fly to New York and, with a group of reporters and dignitaries, met the Concorde Supersonic Jetliner when it flew in from England and flew back to Arkansas on it, documenting the flight on video for a travel agency which sponsored the trip.
While working at KARK, Gene founded Gene Stewart Video, a tv news clipping, media tracking and video production service. At the time of his death, he was working on plans for an internet radio station.
It was Gene's wish to be cremated. At his request, there will be no visitation and no funeral service.
Memorials may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Independence County, PO Box 3477, Batesville, AR 72503
Arrangements are by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
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38 Condolence(s)
Peggy Wray Wilson
Monday, June 16, 2014
Happy Trails dear heart. The world has lost a good friend and so have I.
I will never forget you buddy and " I will save the last dance for you."
See you on the otherside Mr. D.J.
My best to you Paula.
Janie Weaver Prichard
Monday, April 7, 2014
Paula and Family, I was shocked and saddened to her of Gene's passing. I had just re-connected with my friend on FB and enjoyed his posts. Please know I will keep you and the family in my prayers during this difficult time. Janie Weaver Prichard
Mary Jo Lacefield
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Paula,
So sorry to hear about Gene. I didn't know him, but I know you will sincerely miss him.
I've known you for a long time and enjoyed living next to your mother and dad.
Again, I am truly sorry.
Mary Jo (Smith) Lacefield
V. Davis
Friday, April 4, 2014
RIP my dear friend of 39 years. Go rest high on that mountain.
Fonda Courtney Ayers
Friday, April 4, 2014
Paula fond memories of you both back in the Shiloh Subdivision days.
Sorry to hear of Gene's death.
Fonda Courtney Ayers
Jan Burrow Qualls
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Gene was a very good man and my friend and I will miss him-- You are all in my thoughts and prayers-Jan Burrow Qualls and The Olen Burrow Family
Judy Altom
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Paula and Sandy,
Words can not express the sorrow I feel. Gene was a kind friend to all. I will miss him, especially his smile. I am proud to say I knew him. Love to all of you.
Leonard Chamblee
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Paula,
I'm sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Blessings and prayers to you If you need anything please don't hesitate to call me. God bless.
Desi Ledbetter
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Paula,
It was so sad to hear that you lost Gene. My prayers go out to you. Please be strong as we all must one day be called the way Gene was called. I hope you hear from other former Entergy co-workers. In my heart, we were all family.
Love,
Desi Ledbetter
Doris Johnston (Whitaker) James
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I haven't seen you in so many years, and it looks like you accomplished a lot in that time. Your life was too short, old friend. May your legacy live on.
Bill & Kay Cook
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Paula, we are so sad to hear of Gene's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Candace Cook Dunn
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Sandra, sorry to hear of Gene's passing. May The Lord comfort you now and in the days to come.
Barbara Shirley Reaves
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
It was a blessing to have known Gene as a friend and 1959 O.T,H.S classmate. I was always reminding Gene that he was the "Baby" youngest in our class. He usually came back with I didn't know I was that much younger! Which closed that subject immediately. So many fond memories of the school years at Oil Trough School. Thanks to Gene for a video of old school pictures for our 50th reunion. Visting with Gene showed his enjoyment of Life, Family and Friends. May God give comfort and peace to his family and friends in this time of sorrow. He will be missed.
Linda Green Johnson
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Gene's passing. I will always remember him as a good friend and a good person. We really enjoyed spending time talking to him at the last meetings we had with the Class of 59. He won't be forgotten.
Cecil and Johnnie Haley
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The world was a better place with you in it! God Bless You!
Sharon Addington
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
RIP old friend. Prayers for the family. I worked with Gene at KARK. I always loved talking to Gene and hearing his stories. You will be missed.
Larry Allgood
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
I was shocked and sad to read of the passing of my old friend, Gene. While in high school in the late 60s, I spent allot of time at KBTA with Gene. He was a kind man that will be missed by anyone that every knew him. May God grant peace to Gene's family and friends during this time of sorrow.
Dennie Crowell
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Dear College friend!
Was in his Donaghey Ave home in Conway many times in the 60's. He will be missed!
May God Bless his family...
Dennie Crowell
Jerry Davidson
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Sandra,
So sorry for your loss. Wanted you to know we were thinking of you during this time. Jerry and Brenda Davidson
Mary Dawson Rice
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
So sorry to hear about Gene.
We both graduated from Oil Trough in 1959. He was a good friend on facebook too. I enjoyed reading his postings.
Sending prayers to his family. Mary
BOnnie Cremin
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Paula - we are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers!
Pat Simmons
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Dear Family
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Gene's
passing. I attended school at Oil Trough with
him.. He got into trouble many times for kidding
around and playing jokes on others. Isn't it just
like him to leave us on April Fool's Day?!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Pat
len stewart
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
he will be missed
Donna Smith Wilcox
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
With deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Denise Taylor
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
May God give you comfort & peace in the loss of your loved one, Gene. He was such a remarkable man with a wealth of talents. His generosity for his fellow man & "little critters" will be remembered by all who knew him. My prayers are with you.
Toni
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
So sorry Paula, Sandy and Family to hear of the passing of Gene. I can feel your pain . May your wonderful memories of this dear man be a comfort to you. You all are in my thoughts as you go through this very hard time.Thinking of you, Toni
Dennis Ward
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
So sorry to hear about the passing of Gene. My first job out of college was for Gene in 1994 in Little Rock. I'll never forget the opportunity he gave me, and the passion for the video production and broadcast monitoring industry that he helped create in me. Paula, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dennis Ward
narka harris
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
So sorry for the loss of a true southern gentleman. I have many wonderful memories of Gene.
Pat Danner
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
went to college with Gene at uCA and he also did some video work for us after I moved back here. He will be missed greatly. May the Lord be with all of you during this very difficult time.
Bernard Mize
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Paula,
Gene will be missed by a lot of people. Our prayers go up for you.
Dale Altom
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Just wanted to let Gene's family know what a great and gentle man Gene was. He was loved and admired by many, I am proud to say that I an one of the many that concidered Gene a friend. He was always so helpful and kind to our family. He will be missed.
Steve and Dianne Kimbrough
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
So sorry, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Arthur Gilbert
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Gene you were a lot bigger spirit than we knew. Bless you on your new journey
Twyla Gill Wright
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Paula,
I am so sad for you. When I spoke with you just a few days ago, I had no idea that Gene would be gone by now.
Please know that I will continue to remember you and those close to you. You and Gene Stewart Video Productions have become significant to me and to our museum.
My very best wishes to you as you grieve and find your footing for the future.
Twyla
Jesica Bishop
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Sadden to hear the lose of Gene. He was such a wonderful, friendly person and will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are going up for the family. With love & respect.!!
Mike Gunter
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Paula - my prayers are with you. Let me know what I can do to help, anytime.
Mike.
KARK
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
It's with a heavy heart that the staff at KARK learns of Gene's passing. We send our thanks to Gene for his years of service to the station and also our prayers to his family.
Linda Ring
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Paula, We will be praying for you today and in the days ahead.