Robert “Hatch” Stewart, 90, of Morrisonville, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Hatch was born March 16, 1930 in Columbus, OH, the son of Melvin and Elizabeth (Chesser) Stewart.  He moved to Morrisonville as a young boy, and grew up working in his father’s meat locker business, as it evolved into Stewart’s IGA.  Hatch graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1948, where he was the Senior Class President.  Following high school, he proudly served our country in the United States Navy from 1948-1949, and then the Naval Reserves until 1955.  While in the reserves, Hatch married Frances Smothers on March 25, 1951 in Hillsboro.  In 1955, he became a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, and he served until his retirement in 1990.

Through the years, Hatch served the Morrisonville community in many capacities, primarily as a friend and leader to its youth.  He was a Boy Scout leader, and a coach to many children’s sports teams, including little league, pony league, and the St. Maurice Grade School basketball team.  Hatch has taught many generations of Morrisonville kids to swim and water ski.  After retirement, he served as a volunteer ambulance driver, and he has been a dedicated member of the Leslie Reddick American Legion Post 721 where he provided military honors at countless funerals, and he marched in many Morrisonville Parades.  Hatch was honored to be chosen as 2019 Grand Marshal of the Morrisonville Picnic and Homecoming.   

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Lisa Marie Anderson; and brother, James M. Stewart.

Hatch is survived by his wife, Frances Stewart of Morrisonville; children, Pam Stewart of Riverton, Randy (wife, Lora) Stewart of Taylorville, and Rob Stewart of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter, Stacey (husband, Nathan) Laatsch of Chatham; great granddaughters, Evelyn and Mina; sister-in-law, Carol L. Stewart of Morrisonville; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Morrisonville Cemetery with Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #721 and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Post #721, 607 Ricks Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546.

The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 304 Carlin St., Morrisonville, IL 62546 with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.