Robert Stephen Stewart, Jr. "Steve"

Surrounded by family on September 4, 2025, Steve Stewart's battle with cancer ended in his home in Noblesville, Indiana. But his life of passion for family, deep rooted friendships, commitment to community, and boisterous sense of humor will remain treasured legacies.

Growing up with one younger brother, one older sister, a minister father and a schoolteacher mother, Steve always knew a loving family’s support (preceded in death by Rev. Bob and Doris Stewart, survived by John Stewart and Marcia Breckenridge). As an adult, unselfish devotion and joy in being a husband, dad and grandfather defined him. He and Pam Wilhelm Stewart were married for 49 years and parented two children, Nick (wife Sarah) and Molly (husband Jimmy). In recent years, twins Piper and Tagg, Nick and Sarah’s children, and James and Nora Murray, Molly and Jimmy’s children filled his life with laughter and adventure. Photos of shared family vacations, grandparent babysitting, holiday celebrations and swimming in the family pool are the priceless ornaments of his home.

In addition to family bonds, Steve was a valued contributing member of varied communities. After graduation from McArthur High School in Decatur, Illinois, Steve enrolled in Butler University where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Multiple stories of his lifelong singing of the Butler war song always bring a smile. After college, he went on to a career defined by entrepreneurship owning several businesses, most notably owning and operating Iris Rubber for 40 years, which he eventually had the honor to run with his son. In the Noblesville community where he lived, Steve belonged to the First United Methodist Church, 50/50 club, Elks Club, and the Table of Knowledge. His devotion to community came in many forms, through his volunteer work at the Humane Society, where he was very proud to move his way through the dog walking ranks, to the art scholarships he created that also brought joy to downtown Cicero, displaying murals on the exterior for all to enjoy. However, most notably for many he fostered community through his generous spirit that knew no stranger and had a way of making everyone feel seen.

Steve had many gifts which epitomized his love of life. One of his best known was humor. He had a rare ability to make others laugh, gently poking fun at himself and often them as well. He was a man who loved his friends and loved laughing with them. When his children were growing up, every day before school he would repeat the mantra “You have to be a friend to have a friend.” He lived his life with this mantra, as evidenced by the many deep friendships he treasured; some new, some lifelong, he never stopped making friends.

No remembrance of Steve is complete without his love for dogs. All his labs were family characters, not mere dogs. One learned to turn on the kitchen gas stove, and another puppy loved riding on the dashboard. Steve will be greatly mourned and remembered by Frank, the current guardian of the home. Fittingly the family asks that instead of flowers, contributions to the Hamilton County Humane Society to honor Steve’s devotion to dogs. https://www.hamiltonhumane.com/

Come celebrate a man who knew what mattered and had it in abundance.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, with the funeral service immediately following, on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument Street in Noblesville.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com