Leslie Stewart Jr.

In loving memory of Leslie Stewart, Jr. 

With heavy hearts we share the news of Leslie’s passing. He was pronounced dead on December 23, 2025, of cardiac arrest at age 82.

Leslie was born on September 1, 1943, in Huntsville, Alabama, to Hazel Louise (Russell) and Leslie Stewart, Sr. He is survived by his siblings, James, Phillip, Doretha, Chevonne, Ira, and Sharon, his wife, Lane, their children Marcus Maharg, Leslie Matthew, Michael Russell, and Marcella Lane (Bentley), grandchildren Jazmin, (Leslie) Xavier, Maceo, and Malachi, and great-grandchildren, Tru, Tai, and Legend (Wyatt).

Leslie was raised in Chicago, Illinois, graduating from Marshall High School where he was a standout student. He was drafted into the United States Army and served two years (1966-1968) during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany and Belgium. After an honorable discharge from service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University where he majored in music, specializing in vocal performance. He later earned a master’s in music education from Roosevelt University. 

Leslie taught K-8th grade music for 30+ years including vocal/choir, marching band, orchestra and ensembles. He also enjoyed great success coaching youth league and school athletics, including volleyball, baseball, and especially basketball. He was a master teacher and learner with a knack for building students and his players up and bringing out the best in them. 

Outside teaching and coaching, Leslie was a gifted musician and dynamic performer, playing bass, guitar, and singing with accomplished acts, and leading his working family band, L.S. & Company, which performed in greater Southwest Michigan in the 1970s-80s. And he loved basketball. He was an excellent athlete, skilled player, and fierce competitor known on many courts.

Leslie was a kind and generous person who did everything he could in support of his family and constantly extended himself to cover the costs of movies, meals, basketball sneakers, and more for friends and local kids lacking means.

He was loved. He will be missed and remembered fondly.

A memorial will be held in July 2026. Details will be shared.

Contributions in honor of Leslie can be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project , St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The John N. Maharg Music Scholarship at Eastern Illinois University   - Donors must: select "Other Gifts" in the drop-down menu, and type "John N. Maharg Music Scholarship" in the "Special Instructions" box. More information about the scholarship can found at https://eiu.academicworks.com/donors/john-n-maharg-vocal-music-scholarship

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