A large concourse of friends from Kennard and Blair gathered at the cemetery last Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to Lester “Buster” Stewart of Walthill, formerly of this city, who was killed in action in France on October 17, 1918, and whose body was brought home at the request of his sisters, to rest beside his father and mother in the Kennard cemetery. Nearly 200 friends, including the American Legion boys of Walthill, and the guard of honor from Kansas City, came to show their regard for the boy who lived such an exemplary life in their midst since childhood and who paid the supreme sacrifice in the World War. The American Legion used the army burial service with their chaplain making the prayer followed by a solo. We extend our sincerest sympathy in this, their hour of sorrow.

#2-Tribune 20 Oct 1921

Mrs. Alma Claar went to Kennard Sunday to attend the funeral of her nephew, Lester Stewart, whose body was brought from France, where he was killed shortly before the armistice was signed. He was buried in a flag draped casket by the side of his parents, who had passed away a number of years ago.

His sister requested his body be returned and reburied in Kennard. He was reburied on Sunday 16 Oct 1921. There is a military stone with the inscription of: Lester E. Stewart, Nebraska, Sgt 6 Regt US Marines E Div, October 6, 1918.

Note: Lester E. Stewart is buried in the Kennard Cemetery in Blk 2 Lt 14 Sp 5. He was born 15 Sept 1895 and died 6 Oct 1918.

Find a Grave # 26513802.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~