Obituary

Asa Joseph "Joey" Stewart, Jr.

November 9, 1945 - May 6, 2026

Asa Joseph “Joey” Stewart, age 80, beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, breathed his last on May 6, 2026 at his peaceful home on the creek with his beloved daughter JoAnna at his side. With his late wife, Sandra, Joey was a proud Gold Star parent. Joey was a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, born to Asa Joseph Stewart and Rachael Williams Stewart on November 9, 1945. He graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1963 and served for a time in the United States Army National Guard. At a young age he joined the work force at the local paper mill as a welder and eventually retired from Temple-Inland. He was a member of Lee’s Creek Baptist Church. 

Joey’s lifelong love was Sandra Ann Stringer Stewart, who preceded him to eternal life three years ago, joining their two sons, Joseph Jason Stewart and Marine Cpl. David Stephen “Bear” Stewart. Joey was also preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Nelda Vanderheider and Cindy Seale, and his dear friend, Robert Seal. 

Joey is survived by his grandson, David Stephen Stewart, II, and his daughter, JoAnna Rachael Stewart, both of Bogalusa, his mother-in-law, Betty Stringer, his brothers-in-law, Mike (Pauline) Seale, Dr. Stephen (Lavonne) Stringer, and Michael Stringer, his sister-in law, Terry (Ronald) Wilson and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joey’s love of the outdoors permeated his life, beginning with his choice of a homesite and including hours hitting a dimpled ball with a stick on local golf courses. He spent many happy hours hunting, fishing, gardening, chasing after his “escape artist” dogs, and relaxing on the back deck with its view of the creek. Outdoor time was also wonderful family and friend time. Joey especially enjoyed being on the river at his houseboat/camp with Sandra, JoAnna and David and with many good friends. Peak hunting experiences occurred on several trips in later years to Canada, where his personality and wit brought him new northern friends, some of whom even visited Joey and Sandra in Bogalusa. 

Joey was a loyal friend to many and always good company. He was a gifted storyteller and could readily entertain with tales of his youthful adventures with Robert Seal (undoubtedly all true, no matter how wild and crazy) and hunting and travel experiences in Canada (some of which might be questioned due to a slight twinkle in the eye of the storyteller). 

Many of the best times of Joey’s last twenty years were spent with his beloved grandson David. Joey credited him with being a “much better welder” than his Paw, even before he’d completed high school, and bragged that David could fix just about anything (sometimes after he first broke it). 

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements for Joey Stewart. His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15 at 1:00 pm at Lee’s Creek Baptist Church, with Brother Patrick Magee officiating. Visitation will begin that morning at 11:00 am. The family asks that donations be made to Lee’s Creek Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.