R Knowlton Stuart

Ray Knowlton Stuart, 88, of Zanesville, died at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, April 1, 2007 at Genesis Good Samaritan emergency room. He was born December 14, 1918, in Huntington, WV, the son of the late Harry and Gertrude Stuart. He attended Marshall University and graduated from West Virginia University with his bachelor's degree in Business. He was a lifetime member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Shortly after graduation, he was commissioned as a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served admirably aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, C.V. 10. During his tour on the Yorktown, the ship's crew received 11 battle ribbons. After the war, he became active in the U.S.S. Yorktown Association serving as Secretary and member of the Board of Directors. Following his career in the Navy, he joined his father in the family business with Try-Me Transfer Storage in Huntington, WV. After several years, he embarked on a career in the lumber business, with Dierks Forest and Lumber Company in Hot Springs, ARK. Later he moved to Ohio with Malta Manufacturing as Plant Manager. He ended his career with CertainTeed Corporation as a Sales Manager. He married Carol Filter Stuart, July 12, 1946 and celebrated their 60th anniversary last summer. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Debbie Queen, of Fenton, MI; a son, Terry Stuart, of Zanesville; seven grandchildren, Stacey (Paul) Bernard, Bradley (Nicole) Stuart, Alison (Jason) Smith, Kevin, Kris (Tonya), Kassie and Bo Queen; seven great-grandchildren, Jake, Luke and Vince Bernard, Emma and Alex Stuart, Andrew and Maggie Smith. Knowlton attended Grace United Methodist Church for 50 years and for many years participated in the choir, as an usher and assisted on many committees. He was also member of BPOE Lodge #114 and American Legion Post #29. Following retirement, he volunteered at Bethesda Hospital in the Men's Transport Corp. He was also an avid sports fan. Calling hours will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the funeral home with the Rev. Jim Sands officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park cemetery. VFW George Selsam Post 1058 will hold full military services at the graveside. Friends may call one hour prior to services. Memorial contributions may be sent to the USS Yorktown Association, P.O. Box 1021, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 or the charity of choice. "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS"