J. Hobart StewartMr. J. Hobart Stewart, age 87, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on his birthday on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, with family at his side. He was born on January 18, 1930, in Farmington, Missouri, the son of Charles Hobart and Mayme L. (Eaves) Stewart.Hobart served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He retired after 36 years of employment from the Springfield News-Leader.He was a long time member of Hood United Methodist Church, and was very active in the church's blood drives for the CBC of the Ozarks. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, the local VFW, and of the Korean War Veterans of the Ozarks.Hobart was an avid farmer, hunter, fisherman, loved bird dogs and coyote dogs, and was also an avid fan of the Republic Boys Basketball Team. Hobart loved mentoring young men in the church and community, teaching them the virtues of hard work. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Horace Stewart. Hobart was survived by the love of his life, Rosalene Stewart, his wife of 65 years; a sister, Emogene Cassy; two brothers and their wives, Hardy and Deana Stewart, Ivan and Reva Stewart; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Hood United Methodist Church, Republic, under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic. Contributions may be made to the Hood UMC. Online condolences may be shared at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com