A memorial service for Robert "Bowen" Stewart, II, 71, of Columbia, will be held at 6 o'clock on Monday, May 1st, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service beginning at 5 o'clock.

Bowen was born August 9, 1951, in Ft. Benning, Georgia, a son of the late Jack K. Stewart, Sr., and Ida Smith Stewart. He attended the University of South Carolina and Central Carolina Technical College. Bowen worked for many years in accounting and tax preparation. His greatest love was being outside. Bowen was a natural at gardening, creating beautiful colors with flowers and plants, as well as growing his own fruits and veggies. He surrounded himself with many animals. Bowen raised pigeons, chickens, rabbits, a variety of dogs, and there were always cats around his home. When indoors, Bowen could be found playing hymns on his piano and would record CDs as gifts to others.

He is survived by his brother, Jim Stewart (Gayle); sisters, Ida Fortuna (Jerry) and Livi Gardner; sister-in-law, Debra Stewart; as well as four nephews, two nieces, and 15 great nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jack K. Stewart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212 or by visiting PawmettoLifeline.org.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.