William “Bill” Thomas Stewart, 84, of Kansas City passed away March 11, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 29, 1939, in Excelsior Springs to Van and Lucille (Allen) Stewart. Bill devoted his life to his family and his passion for firefighting. He began his career in public service as a police officer in Claycomo, then spent nearly 47 years dedicated to the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, serving as a firefighter and retiring as fire chief.

Bill served in other capacities, including on the administrative boards of multiple area and regional fire chief associations, such as the Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs, and he worked as a fire services intelligence specialist for the Kansas City Regional Terrorism Early Warning Group, affiliated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His commitment and enthusiasm for serving others had a lasting impact on his community and its citizens.

The only thing Bill loved more than firefighting was his family and the firefighters he served alongside. He never turned down an opportunity to spend time with his kids and grandkids, and even in his final days, he received heartfelt visits from his firefighter family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Wanda Isom; brother, Jimmy Maidment; and grandson, Jon Davis.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Linda; and children, Janet Stewart, Scott (Kathy) Stewart, Shannon (John) Faulkner and Chris (Arlene) Stewart. Other survivors include his brother, Gary Stewart; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Laura, Brett, Jackson, Seth, Chase, Addyson, Sophia and Bennett; three greatgrandchildren, Justin, Rowan and Wesley; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill also was blessed with extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by the services at 11:30, Friday, March 15, at First United Methodist Church in Excelsior Springs. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, c/o the Chief Bill Stewart Education Fund.