Cincinnati food icon Colonel De Stewart — of Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices and the recently opened Colonel's Kitchen in Fort Thomas — passed away of an apparent heart attack in his Fort Thomas home early Thursday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that The 'Colonel' De Stewart, Founder of Colonel De Gourmet Herbs and Spices, passed away of an apparent heart attack in his home in Fort Thomas, Ky. early this morning," read a statement from Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices. "The entire Colonel De family mourns this loss. On behalf of Colonel's employees and dear friends, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Colonel was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy to everything he touched.”
Stewart's wife Susan also issued a statement saying, “It with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of 'Colonel' De. We have suffered a major loss. Our family, friends and customers will have a huge void because De was larger-than-life.”
The press release continued:
"His joy was spending time with his son, Ashley, daughter-n-law Christi and beloved grandchildren. De Stewart is all about family. He and Susan also spent many countless hours on their patio drinking bourbon with their rescue dog, Cinnamon. He and his wife Susan moved to their home on Grand Avenue in Fort Thomas in 2007 and absolutely love their community.
De was born on July 22, 1947 in Louisville, KY to the late Kenneth and LaVada Stewart. De Stewart was proclaimed an official Kentucky Colonel in 1999. De was very proud of his Kentucky heritage.
Colonel’s wife Susan, his son Ashley and daughter-n-law Christi are committed to continuing the legacy of the Colonel and the Colonel brands.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced as soon as possible."
The Colonel will be deeply missed by all who knew or met him, including those at this publication.
