"Dr. Paul R. 'Prexy' Stewart, 86, who served Waynesburg College since 1921 as president and later chancellor, died Sunday evening at 6 p.m. in the Greene County Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness.

Dr. Stewart, a 1909 graduate of the College, began teaching at the school in 1910, and was named president in 1921. He retired from the presidency in July, 1963 and was named chancellor.

When he became president of the College, the school had an enrollment of 66 students, three buildings, and practically non-existent financial resources. Under his leadership, the College enrollment grew to more than 1,200 and the size of the campus was increased to eight buildings.

With special delight, Dr. Stewart sought out young people and encouraged them to attend Waynesburg College. Many can point to Prexy as one of the keys to their success at Waynesburg and beyond. In addition to his service as president of Waynesburg College, Dr. Stewart had a wide reputation as a geologist, botanist and educator.

Dr. Stewart was born March 16, 1887 in Spraggs, Pa., son of the late Ezra DeGarmo Stewart and Lana Waychoff Stewart. After receiving an A.B. degree at Waynesburg, he earned a master's degree at Columbia University. He received a Doctor of Science degree from Waynesburg, a Doctor of Laws degree from Grove City College, and a Doctor of Science degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, the Pennsylvania Society for Archaeology, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Free and Accepted Order of Masons.

Dr. Stewart was preceded in death by his wife, Dessie Rush Stewart, and one son, Walter Alan.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Schenley, Waynesburg; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Frances Hoge Stewart, West Liberty, W. Va.; a brother, Donald S. Stewart, Waynesburg; and three grandchildren, Katherine Maulfair, Mentor, Ohio; Linda Aagard, Burlington, Wyoming; Barbara Wolfe, Denver, Colorado, and one great-grandchild."