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James Howard Stewart, born July 25, 1938, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at the age of 84. Howard was employed at the Gaylord Container Box Plant for 43 years retiring in 2000. He loved repairing tractors and restoring antique tractors. He was a member of the IHC#31 International Collectors Club, Sun Masonic Lodge, Zona Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Howard served on the Washington Parish Police Jury and the Bogalusa City School Board and was also employed by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office as a process server.

He and his wife, Linda enjoyed camping and traveling. Their favorite vacation spot was the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Howard loved his family dearly. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was an active member and deacon at Lee’s Creek Baptist Church where he was affectionately known as “Paw Paw Howie” to the children.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Pounds Stewart; a son Tommy (Terri) Stewart of Bogalusa, La.; his daughters Marilyn (Willis) Knight of Poplarville, Miss, Carla Holifield of Brandon, Miss, and Wanda (Matthew) Penny of Bogalusa, La.; brother, Alvin Boady (Kelly) Stewart; sisters, Janice Bedwell, Sylvia Forbes, Rita Jenkins, and Emelda Hunt all of Bogalusa, La. and Elaine Buras of Texas and Marion Galloway of Florida.; sisters-in-law Doris (Lamar) Stewart, Judy (Dewitt) Stewart, Diane (Robert) Stewart; brothers-in-law Buddy Jenkins, Michael Hunt, and Dennis Galloway; his grandchildren Aubrey (Tonya) Rawls of Poplarville, Miss., Randy Bertoniere of Florida., Aaron Bertoniere of Florida, Ashley Roberson of Mississippi, Courtney (Blake) Fourroux of Port Allen, La., Cailyn (Allan) Langlois of Poplarville, Miss., Dustin Flynn of Bogalusa, La., Gina (Christopher) Crawford of Bogalusa, La., Stephen (Sarah) DeCarlo of Franklinton, La., Cameron (Allie) Penny of Bush, La., Madison (Buddy) Wascom of Mt. Hermon, La., and Gracelynn Penny of Bogalusa, La.; great grandchildren Gavin Rawls, Alex, Noah, Hunter, Richea, Ethan, Madison, and Logan Bertoniere, Brooklyn Landry, Breanna Roberson, Camille and Bowen Fourroux, Bentley, Levi and Liza Jane Crawford, Parker and Aiden DeCarlo, Conner, Avery, and Cooper Penny, Addie and Colin Meiners, and Ivey Wascom.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Talmadge and Estelle Stewart, and his brothers Lamar, Robert, Dewitt, and Jeff and his brothers in law, Jr. Bedwell, Richard Forbes, and Rick Buras.

To celebrate Howard’s life there will be a visitation Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the service time at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Dennis Allen, Rev. Keith Sheridan, and Rev. Patrick Magee officiating. Interment to follow at Ponemah Cemetery. During the evening visitation an Eastern Star service will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Masonic Rites will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, Howard’s family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.

To view and sign the guestbook go to pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.