David Milton Stuart

David Milton Stuart died peacefully 27 May 2018 at Taylor House Hospice, Des Moines, of complications from a series of strokes compounded by Parkinson’s Disease.

Dave was born 24 February 1930 on a farm just over the Jasper County line in Mitchellville, Iowa. He was the eighth child born to Herbert Andrew and Prue (Hatfield) Stuart. Prue named Dave after a favorite brother, a railroad man in Kansas City, Kan. Baby Davy was welcomed by Robert Eugene; Gerald William; Jack Hatfield; Herbert Andrew, Jr; Jenta May; Mary LaVaun; and James Richard to complete the clan. He graduated in 1950 from Altoona High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served proudly in the Korean War aboard the USS Shields, DD-596.

Sailor Dave came home on Christmas leave to marry Norma Lee Champion on 19 December 1953 in Altoona Christian Church. On discharge, he joined his brother Gene’s Radio and TV Service in Mitchellville, and with Norma started Stuart Gardens, a commercial gladiolus supplier while building their own home across from Haines Park in their spare time! In 1966, Dave started work for the Town of Altoona, where he went on to attain 25 years in the Water and Streets departments.

In his role as a John Deere “lawn ranger,” Dave maintained a thriving home garden. From that corner vantage, Dave kept tabs on his Fifth Street “circle” and conspired in numerous pranks on his Third Avenue neighbors. He liked solving the world’s problems with his trusty Altoona Burger King coffee buddies each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Traveling to meet his shipmates and their families at the annual USS Shields reunion was a highlight for 27 years.

Dave was preceded in death by his Stuart parents and siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Norma; and his respectful children, Scott David of Altoona and Steven (Susan) of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Altoona Christian Church, 2890 First Ave. South, Altoona, IA 50009. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the church. Burial will follow services at Altoona Cemetery.

From youth, Dave was a steadfast member of Altoona Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Memorials may be made to Altoona Christian Church or the APDA (American Parkinson Disease Association) Iowa Chapter, Des Moines: APDA


Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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