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Celebratory memorial service for Colonel De Stewart set for next week at Tower Park in Fort Thomas


NKyTribune staff

Colonel De Gourmet Herbs and Spices lost its founder, visionary and creative force Thursday due to a heart attack. Colonel leaves behind a company focused on passion and integrity.

A charismatic character, Colonel De Stewart was as well known around Northern Kentucky for his mustache, snappy dress and suspenders as he was for his products. He added seasoning to our meals and spice to our lives.

Stewart

A celebration of Colonel De Stewart’s extraordinary life will take place Tuesday, October 16.  The celebration will take place at “The Mess Hall” at Tower Park located at 900 Ft.Thomas Avenue in Fort Thomas, KY from 3pm-8pm.

His family and those associated with Colonel De Gourmet Herbs and Spices say they will honor his memory by dedicating themselves to continuing the work he loved so much.  Stewart was in the process of receiving chemotherapy for multiple myeloma when he suffered a fatal heart attack.

The family wishes to express love and gratitude to all of those who are supporting them during this difficult time.

The following obituary was provided by Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home:

The Colonel De Stewart peacefully passed away in the early morning hours on October 11, 2018.

Born on July 22, 1947, and raised in Louisville, De moved to Northern Kentucky in the late sixties and never left. He especially loved the city and people of Fort Thomas. De was predeceased by his parents Kenneth and LaVada (Burden) Stewart.

He is survived by his wife and business partner Susan Deis Stewart, his beloved son Ashley, Ashley’s wife Christi, and De’s much loved grandchildren Tucker and Charlotte. Also surviving are his siblings Les (Jane), Janee Hall (Bill), Murl (Corenia), and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Colonel De Stewart giving a demonstration at the opening of the Colonel De Gourmet Herbs and Spices World Headquarters in Fort Thomas in 2016 (NKyTribune file photo).

De was proud of his Kentucky heritage. While President of his Leadership Northern KY class in 1999, De became an official Kentucky Colonel. He wore the title with pride and honor.

De had a zest for life that took him through so many careers; Actor, Musician, Retail Salesperson, Framer, Photographer, IT Geek, Teacher, and Spice Guru.

Following an interest born in his youth and deepened throughout his adult life, The Colonel and Susan took that passion and grew it into the far-reaching enterprise that Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices has become. The Colonel said many times that he had to redream his dreams because they so exceeded his expectations.

De will be remembered by all as The Colonel. The man with the big bushy mustache, a twinkle in his eye, and a smile for all. He had the uncanny ability to remember names and faces of the people he met, whether it was yesterday, last year, or five decades ago.

His passion for herbs and spices and the opportunity to share that passion with others was his lifeblood. But at the end of the day, the Colonel, could be found with a glass of bourdon in one hand and a cigar in the other, discussing his day, his dreams, and his next big idea with Susan.

The Colonel had an impact on so many lives. De along with other members of his Leadership class founded the Madison E-Zone, now a part of Up Tech. De was an avid supporter of NKY, its government, and its people.

A longtime member of the NKY Chamber, he served as an Ambassador and also served on the Board. He supported so many charities, especially The Brighton Center and the Family Nurturing Center.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Mess Hall in Tower Park, Fort Thomas, KY on Tuesday October 16, from 3pm to 8pm. Services will begin at 8pm. The family requests that people bring their favorite picture of the Colonel to (be) shared.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, 297 Buttermilk Pk., Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 or to The Michael Patrick Deis Scholarship at the University of Toledo.

Burial Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate, Kentucky. Special condolences and memories may be sent to www.dmefuneral.com. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home is caring for the family.


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