Orval C. Stewart Sr.

Orval Christy Stewart, 93, of Muncie, Indiana passed away on August 14, 2023. He was born on August 26, 1929, in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Orval L. and Mary (Christy) Stewart.

Orval's hobbies started at 9 years old, he was a lifetime member since 1938 in the AMA, and He won many championships and awards. He flew all Free Flight events, his first nationals in 1957, 1955 he was a part of the exchange club in West Virginia, he was also a contest, leader, timer, and member, his favorite was the hang glider over the Grand Canyon. In 1980 Orval set the AMA national record in the Jetex rocket-powered event; donated the plane he flew to the National Model Aviation Museum. His planes were always made from scratch and he flew in 38 states. Orval was a professor of mechanical engineering at several universities. He also served his country in the Coast Guard.

“Some dogs are born to chase cars. I was born to chase Free Flight model airplanes.”

Orval is survived by his son Orval C. Stewart Jr (May), grandchildren, Mary Queen Virce Stewart, and Grace May Virce Stewart, and special caregiver Regina Williamson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Odell Stewart, and Virginia Stewart.

The family will receive friends at Mt. Tabor Cemetery on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, for a graveside service officiated by Phil Calvert, at 11:00 am.

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