Kevin Sean Stewart passed away on May 29, 2025. He spent the early part of a beautiful, sunny day fishing on Georgetown Lake catching four trout for dinner. It was God’s gracious choice to call him home at the end of that perfect afternoon.
Kevin was born in Billings, MT in 1961 and spent his childhood years in Great Falls and Kalispell. As a teen and young adult, he struggled with substance abuse for several years but was able to redirect his later life through his faith in Christ’s loving redemption. He graduated from Eastern Montana State while in his 40’s with a degree in Fine Arts. Subsequently, he went back to school and became a Licensed Addiction Counselor. Kevin met his beloved wife Michone and settled in Butte, where he enjoyed restoring their Craftsman bungalow, fishing, and visiting his kids in Billings. He was a member of the Abundant Life Fellowship church where he served on the worship team, and acted in many biblical dramas. He also, led worship at the Butte Rescue Mission. He was a talented artist and musician, and used those abilities to glorify his Savior. His extremely quick wit, humor and uncanny ability to imitate anyone and anything will be sorely missed.
In recent years, Kevin was struggling with serious health issues and we are grateful that he is now in God’s loving embrace, free from all pain. If Kevin’s story could be summed up, it would be a testimony that no person’s life is outside the transformative reach of our Lord.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Michone Stewart of Butte; children: Sean (Jackie) Stewart; Matt (Kaitlyn Mcrae); Leah Stewart (Robert Young); Mike Stewart; Adam Stewart, Cameron Layman all of Billings, MT; Stepchildren: Jacob (Decia) Newby; Rachel (Daniel) Merrick all of Butte, MT and Joel (Samantha) Newby of Tanzania; father, Patrick (Charlene) Nihill of Georgetown, TX; mother in law, Wilma McDonald of Sun City, AZ; sister, Wendy (Hisao) Watanabe of Springfield, OR; sister, Mary (Rick) Carfagna of Petersham, MA; and numerous other friends and family members.
Within the many blended families of his life, he was called both Grandpa and Papa Kevin to 22 amazing grandchildren.
Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Graf of Billings, MT.; and father-in-law, Joe Shoemaker of Butte, MT.
Memorials can be made to the Butte Rescue Mission, 610 W. Platinum, Butte, MT or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Abundant Life Fellowship, 630 W. Iron St on Thursday, June 5th at 11:00 am.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Kevin and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Kevin.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11am
Thursday June 5, 2025
Abundant Life Fellowship Church
630 West Iron St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11am
Thursday June 5, 2025
Abundant Life Fellowship Church
630 West Iron St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Erick Oguta ( Tanzania, Africa family) says
Kevin smiles is very contagious! He will be missed so dearly. I am thankful that he is comforted in the arms of Jesus “free from pain” glad and blessed to have known him. Sincere condolences to Michone’s family, Abundant Life Fellowship Church family and especially our Pastor Tim Moslander and Julie. Our prayers are with you and for you during this dark hours celebrating a life well lived of brother Kevin. Until we meet again and rejoice in heaven the hope we have in Jesus. Erick
Mary Dee Bodenberger says
Kevin, its hard to believe i won’t see you at church,
There was somebody about seeing you there with your wonderful wife that just made me feel happy. All my love and strength to your entire family. God be with them as you are with him.
Mary Dee Bodenberger and Shadel Jipp
Randy & Kim says
Kevin you are a delightful, gem of a man! You always made us smile! Your smile, your humor, your many creative gifts and talents and characters you’ve depicted along this journey of life! You were/are a worshipper! We were so “Blessed “ to know you and witness and experience your many gifts and talents! We shall remember you in joyful spirit! You are/were our fun/humorous friend (with a big heart) helping/offering to help where you could! Sincerely you have encouraged us in “Faithing Well” Friend! We love you and we miss you…. Prayers for Michone and all the family 🙏 Love Randy & Kim
Mary Carfagna says
Kevin made us laugh (when we weren’t getting into sibling wars!) throughout our childhood. He always lived life full-throttle and a bit on the edge. I’ve been thinking the past few days of the Lord restoring the years the locust has eaten, and how the workers hired at the end of the day will receive the same wages as those hired in the morning. Kevin loved the Lord and I am so thankful he had a chance to shine MIGHTILY for Him in the later years of his life! Looking forward to an eventual reunion, no doubt with many laughs. Michone, praying for you daily through this – love you.
Cheri Brown says
Kevin and I first met at MCDC where we both worked. You poured your every might to help those on their journey to sobriety. No matter if patients stayed in the facility to graduate or walk out to use, you never let that persuade you to give up hope for them. Your heart was beautiful! It was at ALF that we became close friends through the lord. I will miss the way you would say Cherrriii with your head tilted and smile with your arms open for a hug! You dear friend, will be sorely missed. I’m so relieved to know the second your time was up here on earth, that you went directly to your angelic post next God and reunited with the ones you’ve lost. Love you Kevvy!
Melissa and Mike Devine says
Kevin, your smile will truly be missed. You were a blessing to all that knew you. You are healed and at home with Jesus. God, keep his family in your loving arms.
Darla and Cliff Towers says
Kevin always had a smile and hug for me and sooooo many others! I always enjoyed seeing him in drama productions and on the worship team. He will be missed by all of us! God definitely gained an angel from earth into heaven. Much love and hugs to Michone and the family ♥️
Howard Weaver says
Kevin was always quick to lift his church family up in prayer. He gave me encouragement a few times when I seemed to be in need. Kevin loved the Lord and trusted God completely in all matters. I will miss my brother until we meet again.
Liz and Gerald Cote says
My favorite memories of Kevin was while performing the Christmas programs. He was so amazing to watch. He showed passion in his music too. I will miss his humor and big smile. God sure did shine His light through Kevin. I know God has said “Well done” when he arrived at the front gates. I just wonder….what did Kevin say to Him?
Melissa says
This breaks my heart. Kevin was an amazing man with an amazing voice. He would light up a room as soon as he entered. RIP Kevin! Thank you for all amazing life lessons.
Shavon Baltezar says
My buddy ! My pal! My mentor ! I love you and forever grateful for our friendship! We grown close over the years at church and then I was blessed to have u has a client ! Must say you have the best beard around and I can’t take credit I only cut your hair ! Also the best guitar worshiper in the world and your voice ! So amazing and your acting talents ! So many things will be missed now that your are gone ! Il miss that smile and the hugs ! Il just miss everything! I will miss you forever but so happy to know no more pain and u free with Jesus ! Give my daddy a hug ! Love you buddy ! This world and church never be the same. I hope u know how special and loved are are ! We will never forget you !
christal smith says
I can still feel the warmth of Kevin’s amazing, caring smile. So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. He was truly a gift to all of us.
Diane and Tony Cotton says
Kevin, we will miss you forever. Your beautiful smile and amazing wit. It was a joy and a privilege to be able to listen to you sing and play. Your warm welcoming way made it easy to get close to you. May your family be comforted and blessed. So glad that you are home with Jesus.
Brett DiPasquale says
Condolences, to my cousin, Kevin’s family. He passed away last week. He and I had fun fishing and hiking all summer one year, I have great childhood memories- fun times.
One time we were fishing and not catching anything. There were lots of fisherman also not catching anything on the same lake. So we tied a rock to our fishing line, threw it in the water, waited a while then Kevin yells “I got one”.  he then proceeds to fight the rock all the way into shore, putting on the show for the other fisherman. It was really funny.
 there was an incidemt at the same lake where as he was casting, he threw the line back and went to throw forward just as I was walking behind him.  I got a pierced ear from his fish hook on that one.!!!! lol
 I have great formative memories as a sixth grader, the time we’ve spent that summer. We were in the mountains above Red Lodge, exploring all over, in an amazing way- no tv, no phone, we had to entertain ourselves. I could almost write a book- and those kinds of times would never happen today! Kevin, I wish you well on your next adventure, and sincere prayers to your family.
V & Family says
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to the whole family. My fondest memories of my Uncle Kevin are from my childhood. He was such a fun-loving Uncle that was so energetic and full of smiles and laughter. He had so many talents! My family and I will cherish the most recent visit we were able to have within the last few years. We will always remember his great sense of humor that made us all laugh. We wish we had more time for visits, but we have comfort knowing he’s in God’s embrace and that one day we will see him again. We love and miss you, Uncle Kevin!
Tony Cotton says
Kevin you were great to be around I remember how we used to talk before you and John would start service I loved talking music and just whatever else we would talk about. I always felt at ease around you I will miss you bud I am glad your at peace and at home.