REV. RAYMOND NICHOLS STEWART, 70, of Springfield, passed away in his home on Saturday morning, November 17, 2018.  He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 14, 1948, the son of the late Robert Nichols and Eloise (Mauthe) Stewart.

Ray earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tulsa and his Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago.  He proudly served his country in the Air National Guard.

Ray retired as pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Springfield in January 2018 after more than 11 years of service.  His 42 years of ministry began in Homewood, IL, followed by pastorates in Indianapolis, IN, Pompano Beach, FL, Omaha, NE, Fremont, NE, and Kearney, NE.  Throughout his life and ministry, Ray's heart was for Jesus and mission.

Ray is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marianna (Olsen) Stewart; four children, Karen Schlatter of Missoula, MT, Catherine Stewart of Springfield, Courtney Pierce of W. Palm Beach, Fl, and Kyle Pierce of Pompano Beach, FL; sisters, Sharon R. Stewart of Tulsa, OK and Jan E. (Don) Harris of Guthrie, OK; brother, Robert M. (Doris) Stewart of Houston, TX; niece, Jennifer Stewart; and nephew, John Harris.  He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Nichols Stewart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 201 N. Limestone St., Springfield, OH 45503 in support of their Alternative Christmas Market.