Michael "Mike" Wayne Stewart

Michael Wayne “Mike” Stewart, 76, of Monticello, Arkansas, passed away on February 15, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1949, in Warren, Arkansas.

Mike was a man who believed in working hard and knowing people by name. For forty years, he served as a bail bondsman with Bob Cole Bail Bonds, a job that kept him on the go and put him in contact with folks from all walks of life. Long before that, he spent time behind the wheel as a taxi driver in Little Rock, where he gathered stories, made friends, and proved he could carry on a conversation with just about anyone.

Mike especially loved a good game of pool. He could spend hours around a pool table, cue in hand, studying his shot and enjoying the friendly competition. It wasn’t just about winning — it was the conversation, the laughter, and the simple pleasure of the game that kept him coming back.

When he wasn’t lining up a shot, he was usually out in the garage working on a hot rod or taking his motorcycle for a ride down a country road.

Mike lived simple and straight — work hard, enjoy your hobbies, and don’t back down from who you are.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clark Stewart and Virginia (Johns) Stewart; two brothers, Richard and Kevin Stewart; and two sisters, Kim Montgomery and Sandy Stewart.

He leaves behind one son, Doug Stewart of Monticello; two daughters, Christi Russell (Michael) also of Monticello, and Ashley Stout of southeast AR; along with three brothers, Steve Stewart of  Texas, David Stewart (Tina) of Warren, and Stanley Bland of Texas; five grandchildren, Kelly West, Jaggar Stewart, Kali Graves (JD), JR Rice (Kayla), and Dillan Rice (Laci); and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1324 Hwy 278 W, in Monticello with Bro. Ed Hill, officiating, followed by interment at Oakland Cemetery in Warren Arkansas, under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Monticello.  Pallbearers are JR Rice, Dillan Rice, Justin Goudy, Rodney Forrest, Shawn Trantham and Kevin Brooks.   Honorary pallbearers are Braxson Belvedresi, Wesley Johns, Michael Russell, Doug Stewart and Jagger Stewart.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:00 a.m., at the funeral home prior to the service.

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