Dr. Donald Michael Stewart, 83, of Little Rock, passed from this life on Friday, February 6, 2026, at UAMS Medical Center. He was born April 11, 1942, in Eaton, Arkansas, to the late Cleo and Mary (Pace) Stewart.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn, of the home, children Shannon Stewart Morris (Marty) of Dallas, TX, Mary Stewart of Portland, OR, and Christopher Stewart; stepchildren, Brooke Ballew (Steve) of Cabot, AR, Brenton Phillips of Conway, AR, and Grant Phillips of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren, Jackson Stewart Morris and Anna Kirssin; step-grandchildren, Bailey Ballew (Mason), Josilyn Phillips, Madilyn Phillips, and Blakely Phillips; step great-grandchild, Malakai Miller; siblings Catherine Stewart Richey (Loyd) of Lynn, AR, Jimmy Stewart (Linda) of Rockford, IL, Betty Denison of Hartland, MI, and Randall Stewart (Jeanette) of Batesville, AR; as well as many other nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Donald attended and received his bachelor's degree from ASU-Jonesboro and his master's degree from the University of Arkansas.
Donald completed his Doctoral Program in Education at the University of Arkansas in 1976. Donald had a 40-year career in education as a teacher, superintendent, and public school finance administrator. Donald retired in 2007 as the Deputy Commissioner of Education for the State of Arkansas. Following retirement, he enjoyed traveling with JoAnn to all 50 states where, among other things, they toured each State Capitol Building, as well as travel to Canada and Nova Scotia. He also enjoyed travel with family members to Europe and many other destinations.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. Rev. David Stuart will officiate. Interment will follow in Old Lebanon Cemetery in Lynn under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or Little Rock Christian Academy, 19010 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223, or online at www.littlerockchristian.com/give. Please designate all gifts in memory of Dr. Donald M. Stewart when giving online or in the memo line of your check.