Lonnie Lowell Stewart (84) of West Monroe, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, November 5, 2023, in his home after a lengthy illness with beloved wife Sue at his bedside.

He was preceded in death by his father James Lowell Stewart, his mother Johnnie McKissack Stewart, his sister JoAn Stewart McIlwain and her husband Bill, his nephew Bradley Stewart Ringle, and great niece Kelsey Marie Matthews. Lonnie is survived by his wife of 62 years Sue Foyil Stewart and their three children: Michele Stewart Robinson and her husband David, Scott Lowell Stewart and his wife Beth, and Jason Tyler Stewart and his wife Suzanne. He loved his 4 precious granddaughters and the new addition of 3 grandsons-in-law – Kaitlin Robinson Wright and her husband Judson; Cameron Stewart Franklin and her husband Evan; Claire Stewart Reneau and her husband Cole; and Marleigh Elise Stewart. He is also survived by 3 of his 4 sisters who have shared many stories and much laughter through the years. They are Pat Stewart Sullivan, Mary Stewart Ringle her husband and Lonnie’s college roommate Al, and Sandy Stewart Burchfield. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews, lots of cousins, and many friends.

Lonnie was born on February 25, 1939, in Picayune, MS and graduated from Gulfport High School. He was offered a college basketball scholarship but declined because he felt God calling him into ministry. He attended Louisiana College, and before earning his degree he met his future bride, Sue Foyil Stewart. He next graduated with a master’s from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Lonnie began serving in the music ministry as a freshman in college and served continuously even after his retirement for a total of 56 years. After he retired from First Baptist Church West Monroe, he continued serving as an interim worship pastor for 12 years in churches throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

He really led the way with a handful of other worship pastors around the country in making worship a meaningful ministry in the life of the church. Throughout his ministry, Lonnie’s focus was to create a tapestry of praise enabling the congregation to fully engage with the pastor’s message. He was instrumental in the evolution of corporate worship from the 1970s though the 1990s participating in Metro Conference, Billy Graham Crusades, and the Century Men.

His ministry took him across the globe including Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Grenada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Africa, China, Japan, and South Korea and all over the United States. Lonnie was just as passionate for the neighbor across the street as the person across the world. He loved people, and he loved his Lord Jesus. His life was a sacrifice of worship as he served the Lord and helped people find their way to Jesus and to a life of worship and service, too. He loved First Baptist Church of West Monroe and the people he was allowed to know and to serve alongside there.

His prayer during his extended illness was that the Lord would enable him not to be bitter and to be a blessing to every person who entered his home. God honored that prayer.

The family wants to give special thanks to Louisiana Hospice and their incredible, compassionate staff. Our friend Gale Palm became part of the Stewart family as soon as Lonnie became a patient with Louisiana Hospice in June, 2021. Paula Mock and Stacy Harris have also become cherished friends through this journey.
Pallbearers honoring Lonnie will be Jeff Ringle, Bill Mcllwain, Joe Burchfield, Jim Burchfield, Mike Keaton and Jimmy Cloessner.

Memorials may be sent to First West Worship Ministry or First West Missions Ministry.

Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church West Monroe, Louisiana. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. in the same location. Graveside service will be immediately following at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe. Services are under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe.

Messages of love and remembrance may be made to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
Kilpatrick Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA

Service will be live streamed at www.firstwest.cc/funeral.

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