







"Colonel" De Stewart, 71, died this morning from an apparent heart attack.De was best known for founding his company, Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices and acting as the company's brand ambassador and symbol. Colonel De has three locations, including his corporate headquarters in the Hiland Building in Fort Thomas.His name and image are symbols of the company.said his wife and business partner, Susan.Stewart was all about family. He and Susan also spent many countless hours on their patio drinking bourbon with their rescue dog, Cinnamon.In May of this year, he and Susan opened up Colonel's Kitchen in Fort Thomas.Susan told Fort Thomas Matters in February.They set up their first spice store, a card table at Findlay Market, in 2006.As soon as I heard that, I asked him what his second choice was," she said jokingly.The "Businessman Chef", Stewart had built an empire. A Fort Thomas resident, he fully invested a large chunk of his capital into the Fort Thomas Central Business District by renting a majority of the space in the Historic Hiland Building, located at 18 N. Fort Thomas Avenue.he told Fort Thomas Matters in February 2018.Among the many full-time employees in the Colonel De family are are seven chefs with a cumulative 250 years of experience.he said.A family man and a community stalwart, Colonel De Stewart will be missed.Stewart was famous for characterizing the relationship between he and his customers. It's clear the mark he has made is an indelible one.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.A memorial service is planned for Stewart next week, details forthcoming.