Karl Mims Stewart

October 7, 1943 - June 24, 2026

Karl Mims Stewart was one of those rare people who could make you laugh, fix just about anything, beat you on the golf course, and convince you to join him on his next adventure. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner, and friend whose greatest joy in life was the people he loved.

Born in Wayne, Michigan, on October 7, 1943, Karl’s journey eventually took him to Florida, California, Arizona and many other places he loved throughout his life. Wherever life took him, he built lasting friendships, embraced new adventures, and created memories that his family and friends will treasure forever.

Karl’s greatest joy was his family. He worked hard, played hard, and believed some of life’s best memories were made when everyone was together.

Karl married the love of his life, Darlene Stewart, on August 3, 1965. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, family, and adventure. Side by side, they raised their children, traveled, sailed, embraced an active lifestyle, and later delighted in watching their family grow with grandchildren. They shared nearly 42 wonderful years of marriage before Darlene passed away on June 3, 2007. Although her passing was a tremendous loss, the family they built together remained Karl’s greatest pride and joy.

Karl is survived by his son, Karl Mims Stewart Jr. and his wife, Dawn; their children Bayley, Cole, and Ayden; and his granddaughter Chloe Risser and her husband, Christopher.

He is also survived by his daughter, Renee Bontempo and her husband, Paul; their children Marissa Mason and her husband Eliot and their children Henry, Milo and Charlie; Madison Fisher and her husband, Kyler and their children Taytum, Oakley, Halston, Oliver and Cohen; Mackenzie Clark and her husband, Joseph and their children Stella and Kingston, with a baby boy expected in November; Mason Bontempo and his wife, Hannah; and Mark Bontempo and his fiancée Drew McCubbins.

Nothing brought Karl more happiness than being G-PA. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. He also loved gathering with his children, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends. Whether it was a holiday, a golf outing, or simply sitting together telling jokes and laughing, those were the moments he cherished most.

In the years following Darlene’s passing, Karl was blessed to find love, friendship, and companionship with his longtime partner, Patricia Schindler. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with laughter, travel, and time at their beloved home in Baja Mexico. Karl also cherished the relationships he built with Patricia’s daughter, Carolyn Resler-Schindler, and her husband, Roger and their children, Bradley, Owen, and Analeah; and Patricia’s son, David Schindler, his wife, Cassandra, and their daughter, Sierra.

Karl is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Phyllis Dart; Corinne Price and her husband Dave; his brother-in-law Matt Roberge; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene Stewart; his parents, Bert Ellis Stewart and Joyce Margaret Mims Stewart; and his sister, Sherril Hatmaker Duphette.

Karl proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. He later enjoyed a successful career as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), where he proudly worked for 55 years.

Golf was one of Karl’s greatest accomplishments. He was a multiple-time club champion, a Victoria Club Champion, and a California Amateur Champion. Throughout his golfing career, he qualified for multiple U.S. Amateur and U.S. Senior Amateur Championships and competed in the 2009 U.S. Senior Open Championship. While he loved the competition, the friendships he made through golf meant just as much to him as the championships he earned.

Karl loved a challenge and had an incredible ability to build and fix just about anything. From furniture and home additions to boats and even airplanes, there seemed to be very little he couldn’t create or repair. He was always working on a project, eager to learn something new, and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed one.

Adventure wasn’t just something Karl enjoyed —it was part of who he was. Whether he was golfing, water skiing, snow skiing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, flying airplanes, or riding off-road vehicles, Karl was happiest when he was outdoors sharing those experiences with family and friends. He loved collecting boats, airplanes, motorcycles and off-road vehicles, and especially loved sharing them with the people he loved.

If you spent time with Karl, chances are you laughed. He always had a joke ready, a mischievous grin, and a playful comment for just about anyone he met—from restaurant servers to complete strangers. His sense of humor could be a little over the top, and more than once his family found themselves saying, “Too much, G-PA!” But that was Karl. He loved making people laugh, never took himself too seriously, and had a gift for turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. His curiosity, confidence, generosity, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Karl leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, craftsmanship, adventure, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family. He taught us to work hard, play hard, enjoy the journey, cherish the people we love, and never be afraid to try something new. His example will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the countless stories, traditions, laughter, and adventures he shared with those he loved.

Dad, thank you for teaching us how to live life with courage, curiosity, kindness, and laughter. Thank you for every joke, every lesson, every adventure, and every memory. We love you more than words can express, and while we will miss you every day, your love and your legacy will live on in all of us. Until we meet again.