Edward “Ed” E. Stuart, 91, of Farmersville, passed away on 09/11/19 in Plano.  The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 09/21/19 at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Farmersville.

Ed was born on 06/20/1928 in Miles TX, the son of Henry Bailey Stuart and Edith Heinze Stuart.  He graduated from Miles High School in 1946.  He served as a rifleman in the 45^th Army Infantry in Korea from 1950-1952.  Upon returning home, he obtained a Bachelor’s of Banking and Finance from Texas Tech University. 

In February 1958, he met the love of his life, Zan Koen, on a blind date.  Seven months later, they were wed on September 20, 1958, and had two daughters, Leigh and Lisa. 

Ed’s career as a banker spanned over four decades in Midland TX, Kermit TX and Farmersville TX.  He served his last five years in banking as the president of the First National Bank Farmersville, retiring in 2000, after 21 years with the bank.

Ed was involved in many civic activities in Kermit and in Farmersville.  While in Kermit, he was an Officer of the Kermit Chamber of Commerce and the treasurer of the Winkler Co Survey Committee.  He was instrumental in obtaining the Texas New Mexico state line historical marker chronicling the history of a long term land dispute between the two states. 

In Farmersville, Ed, an avid lover of history, was known as the area historian.  He worked with the Texas Historical Society to obtain historic recognition by the State of Texas for the First National Bank of Farmersville and also the establishment of a memorial to soldiers from Farmersville who were killed in action in previous wars.  He was instrumental in the establishment of the Audie Murphy Memorial in downtown Farmersville and the annual celebration of Audie Murphy’s life, as well as, the establishment of the annual Old Time Saturday celebration in Farmersville. 

Ed also served for four years on the Farmersville City Council, served as the President of the local school board and served on the First Baptist Church Historical Centennial Committee.  He served as the President of the Rotary Club and the local Chamber of Commerce.  He was also involved in the planting and maintenance of the trees at South Lake Park. 

Ed had the distinct honor of being asked to write the history of Farmersville for the Texas State Historical Society’s Handbook of Texas in 1989.  In 1985, he was recognized as the winner of the Harry Cameron Citizen of the Year. The Mayor of Farmersville also declared January 24, 1985 as Ed Stuart Day in Farmersville to honor him for his civic involvement.  Ed also wrote a local column weekly for the Farmersville Times called Ruminations of an Old Goat.

Outside of Ed’s civic involvement, he enjoyed writing, history, gardening and landscaping, and spending time with his grandchildren.  For many years, he and his wife traveled annually to Company L reunions where he reminisced and spent time with the soldiers with whom he served in Korea.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Bailey and Edith Stuart, his two brothers, Henry and Bobby, and his wife of 60 years, Zan Stuart.  He is survived by his daughter Leigh Calmes and grandson, John Calmes, of Plano and his daughter, Lisa Ray (George Ray) and granddaughter, Jessica Ray, as well as, five nieces and nephews and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers at the Memorial, the family requests donations be made in Ed’s name to the Farmersville Heritage Museum, 205 S. Main St, Farmersville TX 75442 or the Farmersville Centennial Committee, P. O. Box 228, Farmersville TX 75442.