Stuart E. Stinnette

Humor. Ask almost anyone who knew Stuart what was a defining characteristic of his and that will be their answer. One liners, quips, often sarcastic, laugh out loud inducing. Stuart used his humor to entertain, to include, and to make others think. It, as well as a highly honed sense of justice and fairness, were hallmarks of his life.

Born January 2nd, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky to Flora and Earl Stinnette, Stuart lived in what he referred to as"God's country" through his college years. Many life-long friendships were made at Fern Creek High School and University of Louisville. Drafted in 1966, Stuart served in Vietnam in 1968, arriving on the eve of the Tet Offensive. He was afforded the opportunity to have his Vietnam orders changed but his principle of fairness would not allow him to make another serve in his place. War changes everyone involved and left Stuart with his own personal demons to contend with.

Stuart moved to Indianapolis in 1971 to begin his career as an Air Traffic Controller at the Indianapolis Center. He often stated how fortunate he was to have a job that he loved and never felt like work. Eleven years later, he was part of the PATCO strike and was not only fired by the president but barred from federal employment.

Stuart met Mary Jo a month prior to the strike and they were married a year later. The following years were filled with raising their two sons. Stuart participated fully in their lives, volunteering at their schools, coaching their sports teams, taking on the role of commissioner of their little league organization, nurturing their love for nature with hikes, camping, and summer trips to Lake Superior. He loved being their dad.

Professionally during this time, Stuart tried several ventures, including owning rental properties. It was in the role of landlord that he became more fully aware of institutional poverty. He was more of a social worker than landlord, attempting to connect his tenants with short term financial help while working with them to find long-term solutions. Stuart took an active role at his church, North United Methodist, organizing events to build community and fellowship. He organized men's raft trips, helped initiate dinner groups, added pie eating contests to Sunday School picnics, and loved accompanying the youth group on various activity and mission trips.

In 1997, Clinton lifted the ban on rehiring PATCO controllers and Stuart returned to work the the Indianapolis Center. He remained on FAA employee in various capacities until he retired in 2017.

The impact of Agent Orange wreaked havoc on Stuart's body and his last year of life was a struggle for mobility. But he focused on the joy of spending time with friends -- especially his supper club and Campfire groups -- and family. He adored his grandchildren and looked for every opportunity to spend time with them. He and Mary Jo took his wheelchair and walker with them on many trips across the U.S. and Europe.

Stuart's death was caused by the side effects of radiation for a throat cancer. He leaves the legacy of his bedrock principles -- justice, fairness, and, of course, humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wayne, and his first wife, Judy. Left behind are Mary Jo, his son Michael, wife Christie, and grandchildren Luke, Emily, and Caroline, and his son David, wife Stephanie.

All who loved him are invited to his calling Tuesday, January 10th 4p-7p and service Wednesday, January 11th at 3pm at North United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to North United Methodist Church Youth Missions Fund. In his honor, please share a favorite Stuart story, perform an act of fairness and justice, and make someone laugh.