Rae Edward Stewart, Sr., 83 passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 at his home.
He was born in Lilbourn, MO on December 24, 1939, the son of Cloe Stewart Wyckoff. He was raised in Zalma, MO. He received his GED and entered the US Air Force in February 1958. While in the US Air Force, he was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. He remained at Forbes Air Force Base until his discharge in June of 1962. During his time in the Air Force he had two temporary duty assignments in England and Turkey. After his discharge he remained in Topeka for the rest of his life. He started working for the Santa Fe Railroad as a welder in June of 1962 and remained there until his retirement in November of 2001. Santa Fe was only his day job. He continued to work many hours building custom trailers, farming, hauling dirt and gravel, but his favorite was buying and selling boats throughout his whole life. He enjoyed going to auctions, boating, farming and just about anything that would keep him busy and outside. He also loved a good buffet and visiting with friends. He was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge of Topeka.
Rae is survived by his sons, Rae Stewart Jr. (Tiffany) and Carl Stewart (Stacy) of Topeka; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Ray Birt who is the son of his longtime partner, Lois Birt. Lois preceded Rae in death on February 24, 2022. Other survivors include two sisters, Carol Wyckoff Morgan (Dan) of Zalma, MO and Pat Wyckoff Keen (Arnold) of St. Louis, MO; and two brothers, Jack Wyckoff (Jennifer) and Dennis Wyckoff (Paula), both of Jackson, MO.
Rae was cremated and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 25th at the Celtic Fox, 118 SW 8th Avenue in Topeka between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604-3720.
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
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