Donald Stuart

Donald (Don) R. Stuart, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 6, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Darla, his four daughters; Renee (Dan) VanderMolen, Pam (Curt) Van Rees, Heidi (Bob) Jackson and Robin Geer, 11 grandchildren; Brent, Holly, Angela, Nathan, Sarah, Ryan, John, Autumn, Brandon, Emily and Brooke, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren, his brother Lyle, and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Verna Stuart, his young son Terry, his brother Earl and his sister Fern. Born in Grandville, Michigan, Don later grew up on a small farm in Grant. In order to help provide for his parents, at the age of 17, Don answered his nations call by enlisting in the United States Navy where he served for 4 years as a Boilerman. Upon his return from the Navy, he eventually began working for the city of Grand Rapids at the Civic Auditorium where he faithfully served for 31 years. Don was an avid HAM radio operator with the original call sign of WA8 QFB (Quick Frozen Bananas) but later changed to W8 QFB. As an operator he met and established countless relationships all across the country. His most notable was Mr. Al Flowers with whom he remained close friends for over 30 years. Don also earned his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying for many years. After retiring from the city, Don became a technology addict. He built several of his own computers and he was known to have the newest and fastest gadgets of all kinds. He was also a member of the Rockford American Legion Post 102. Don was once quoted in an interview saying "he loved his family and was so proud of them". Don has chosen to be cremated and interned at the family's final resting place. Don's family would like to invite friends and family to the Faith Bible Church where they attended at 5273 Ramsdell Dr NE, Rockford, on Saturday, November 18th at 11am for a Celebration of Life Gathering, refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Bible Church. Don Stuart has answered his last radio call, W8 QFB has signed off for the very last time. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald Ray Stuart please visit our Sympathy Store.