Billy Stewart

The rock of his family and a light in his community, Billy Stewart truly leaves a legacy that will last for many years to come. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and his solid work ethic allowed him to be a provider for many. Nothing brought Billy greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His faith was the firm foundation of his life, and he exemplified what it meant to follow after the Lord he loved so much in word and deed. Deeply loved, Billy will be forever missed and cherished.

The early 1930s are remembered as some of the most difficult years for those living in the United States as the Great Depression cast a heavy shadow over the country. Still, there was joy to be found in the Stewart household as Billy made his entrance into the world. Born in Pineville, West Virginia, on November 10, 1933, Billy was one of four boys in the Stewart family: French, Wilson, and Tom. Billy eventually moved to Battle Creek, Michigan with his family.

It wasn’t long before Billy was fortunate enough to find the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Dixie Horne, and the two first met on a blind date. There was an instant connection between them, and despite objections from Dixie’s parents, they enjoyed a whirlwind romance. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Billy and Dixie were married in Battle Creek on April 23, 1957. Billy would later say that Dixie’s parents came around and turned out to be the best in-laws anyone could ask for.

In 1957, Billy was drafted into the United States Army. He spent his service stationed in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona as a Military Police Officer and was very proud to be a veteran. He then served in the Reserve Army until 1966. Following his discharge from the Army, Billy decided to use his military experience to his advantage and joined the police force. However, he quickly found that the force wasn’t for him and left to begin working at Checker Motors in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over the next 36 years, Billy built a fulfilling career for himself working in maintenance. He took great pride in his job and in his position as a union steward.

Of all the things Billy loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Dixie were overjoyed to welcome their first daughter, Sonja, into their hearts and home in 1962, followed not long after by Sherry in 1965. Billy thrived in his role as a father. He was a firm disciplinarian, always expecting his girls to follow the rules, but loved them fiercely. The Stewart family made their home in Kalamazoo. They enjoyed many memorable vacations over the years, including truck camping in Michigan, Kentucky, and Florida, and also spending time on their houseboat docked on the Muskegon River. Later in life, Billy was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Affectionately known as Papa, Billy adored his grandkids and great grandkids. He was always present with a listening ear and wise advice to offer. Billy considered himself greatly blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Billy pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He could often be found tinkering around the house, and he enjoyed listening to jazz and blues. Billy was a longtime member of the Muskegon River Boat Club. His boat, The Sunseeker, was his corner of paradise. Billy and Dixie weren’t the biggest fans of the cold Michigan winters, so they spent many months at their home in Naples, Florida. His beloved Cadillac cars were among his most prized possessions, and he owned one in Florida and one in Michigan. Billy would read anything he could get his hands on, and he enjoyed kicking back to watch military movies, MSNBC, and HGTV. His favorite foods included biscuits and gravy, meatloaf, and a good bologna sandwich with mustard. Billy was known for his sweet tooth, as well as his love for margaritas.

Billy was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs and enjoyed debating politics with grandchildren. Though he was very frugal-minded, he was the first to pull out his wallet to cover a bill and spend money on his family. Billy was extremely loyal to his friends. He was boundlessly generous and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Throughout their 52 years of marriage, Billy took his vows to Dixie very seriously. He cared for her tenderly throughout her health struggles.

Billy lived out his faith at Kalamazoo Community Church in Kalamazoo and Celebration Beach Church in Naples, Florida, where he served weekly as a greeter. He never missed a Sunday service, and he truly considered his church to be his home. Billy’s relationship with Jesus Christ was a priority in his life. Billy was proud to have been baptized at his church in Florida. He leaned on his faith in good times and bad, and he found such joy in serving his family, his church, and his neighbors. In his last days, Billy would say that after meeting Jesus, he was going to reunite with his wife, Dixie.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Billy Stewart, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family and friends. He was a shining role model for all those who looked up to him, and his steadfast faith meant everything to him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Billy always made sure to hold his loved ones close. His insatiable zest for life and contagious joy could be felt by all those around him. Though he will be greatly missed, Billy leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and family will hold near and dear to their hearts.

Following a brief illness, Billy passed away at his home surrounded by those he loved on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Members of his family include his children: Sonja (Rick) VanderVeen, Sherry (Doug) Bell; Grandchildren: Jamie (Matt) Dever, Kyle (Keely) VanderVeen, Brad Bell, Brandon (Katie) Bell; Great grandchildren: Matthew, Jacob, Mason, Marley, Brooklyn, Austin, Georgia Dixie, Kennedy, and Kaiden. He was preceded in death by his brothers and wife, Dixie.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 11 AM - 1 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will be held at the funeral home at 1 PM. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10 AM. Memorial donations may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators or Lending Hands. Celebrate Billy’s life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on his dedicated web page at BetzlerLifeStory.com.