Terry Lynn Stewart died on Saturday, the 9th of August 2014 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, four days after his 60th birthday. He and a flight instructor perished in a plane crash during a flying lesson in the mountains.
Terry was born on the 5th of August 1954 in Williston, North Dakota, to Bill and Wanda Stewart. He was the only child of a mobile family, growing up in West Texas, Alaska, and California. After graduating from high school, Terry worked as a ranch hand and offshore roustabout before attending Baylor University from which he graduated in 1980 with an accounting degree. While an undergraduate at Baylor, Terry met Gail Woodson, and their relationship soon blossomed into a loving marriage of 32 years. In that time, they raised two daughters – Kelsey, 24, and Jillian, 13.
Terry settled with Gail in Houston and enjoyed a successful career in banking and finance that spanned over 25 years. Beginning at University Savings & Loan in 1983, Terry advanced through several positions of increasing scope and responsibility to ultimately serve as a Vice President & Senior Client Service Manager with JP Morgan Chase Bank and, later, Bank of New York.
Terry retired in 2008 and devoted the past six years to his responsibilities as spouse and father, anchoring the whirlwind activity of the three women central to his life. He did everything from helping with homework to entertaining law firm clients. In his remaining time, Terry immersed himself in service to his church; in transforming a 30-year-old house in Estes Park, Colorado, into a dream vacation home for his family; and in the pursuit of life's many great adventures.
Terry was an active member of River Oaks Baptist Church, and served as deacon and member of numerous church committees. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of River Oaks Baptist School. He was an active supporter of the Christian Community Service Center, regularly volunteering at the Gethsemane Food Pantry and other CCSC programs such as Jingle Bell Express.
Terry was first a gourmand and later, to the great benefit of his family and friends, a gourmet chef. He took a one-year break from his banking career in 1998 to study culinary arts at the Art Institute of Houston and subsequently practiced his craft to the delight of everyone who had the good fortune to sample his cooking. With French cuisine as the foundation of his gourmet training, Terry soon became a student of other facets of French culture and capped his language studies with a month-long immersion program this past year at the Institut de Français on the French Riviera.
During all of his many years in Houston, Terry was both an aviator and an aviator-at-heart. He earned his private pilot's license in 1985 and qualified as an aircraft dispatcher in 2012. Terry vicariously enjoyed Kelsey's success in earning both an aviation degree and commercial pilot's license in college. More recently, Terry returned to flying, with great enthusiasm for the opportunity to own a plane and share his joy of aviation with family and friends. He looked forward to the convenience and fun of flying between Houston and Estes Park. Terry also enjoyed hiking, fishing, and relaxing at his home in the mountains.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, Gail; his daughters, Kelsey and Jillian; his parents, Bill and Wanda Stewart of Canyon Lake, Texas; his in-laws, Lewis and Edie Woodson of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; and his sisters-in-law, Linda Woodson and Lori Payne, and their families of Houston, Texas, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The family also acknowledges Terry's love and affection for Betty Brinkley and her service as a member of the Stewarts' household for 24 years.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 15th of August, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 16th of August, at River Oaks Baptist Church, 2300 Willowick Road in Houston, where the Rev. Martus Miley is to officiate.
The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 5, 2014
My brother-in-law< Earl Allen, was the pilot with your husband. During the busy days immediately following his death I wondered about the student he was with, but no one seemed to know much. Now I see that Earl's student left a wife and two daughters. I'm so very sorry. It's hard to understand why this happened, or what could have gone wrong and why it did. I wonder about it every day. The only thing that comforts me is knowing that God is Sovereign and someday I will understand. My condolences, Madalyn Allen
August 22, 2014
Vivian Swilley
My dearest Gail, I have no words. You know how far back we all go. I don't remember much before the day at the pool when you and I met Terry for the first time. And you became Terry and Gail - or Gary and Tail - immediately. We've all been family for a very long time - almost 40 years - and yours and Stu's home has been my and Andy's home on more than one occasion as you know. I am broken-hearted, and so, so sorry for your loss. For our loss. Love you, love the girls.
August 20, 2014
Gail, it has been a few years since we last saw you all at our family reunion. We are so sorry to hear of the tragic death of Terry. We know you all are devastated. Read his obituary and viewed all the wonderful photos which showed that your family had a beautiful life. I left a message for Bill and Wanda and will call them soon. We know you all are a close family and that your faith will see you through the days ahead. We will continue to pray for all of you.
Love,
LaJuan & Austin Martin
Texarkana, TX
August 19, 2014
Larraine Darling
Dear Gail, I am so very sorry for you and your family's loss. Terry was just a delightful man. I am so thankful I got to meet him. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Larraine Darling
August 17, 2014
Regina Landreneau
Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. It's been many years since I worked with Terry at Republic Bank. He was a wonderful person. My sympathy to you and the girls.
August 16, 2014
Sandy Smith
Dear Gail, Terry would have been so proud of your two lovely daughters today. I believe the most beautiful tributes to a wonderful Father I have ever heard. God bless you, keep you and comfort each of you.
August 16, 2014
Susan Donohue
I met Terry in French class last September. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
August 15, 2014
Faye Deacon
My prayers are with the Stewart Family...Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
August 15, 2014
Laura Lopez
I had the pleasure of working with Terry at Chase Bank. He was a very kind person with a great sense of humor. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
August 15, 2014
Gino Briones
I had the pleasure of working alongside Terry during the JPMorgan/ Bank of New York days. It was a joy to speak with Terry everyday. He always had a smile on his face and made our days in the office more enjoyable. My heart and prayers go out to all family members and friends that will share in this grief of losing a loved one. I hope pray that the grief is short-lived and that the joys of having Terry in each of your lives will once again brighten up your days.
August 15, 2014
Pattie Kong
Thoughts and prayers to the Family of Terry. He was a great person and just thinking about him makes me smile. It was always a pleasure to work with him. May the presence of Family and Friends warm your hearts at this time.
August 15, 2014
Cynthia Cortez-Smith
Prayers of comfort and strength are lifted for Terry's family. He was a wonderful person to work with and always had a smile on his face. So good to see that he was able to retire and enjoy life! Blessings to his family!
August 15, 2014
JoAnne Gulliver
My heart breaks for Terry's family as well as for the many people whose lives he has touched. I'm trying to process the reality that God has said that his work on earth is done. So many people to carry on his legacy. I haven't seen him since I left the Bank in 1998 but I have only the best memories of him.
August 14, 2014
Lee Blackman
To the family of Terry Stewart,
I only had the pleasure of meeting Terry on one occasion here in Canyon Lake but I will always remember his heartwarming demeanor. Its very obvious he was a well liked and loved man and adored by many.
To his parents, Wanda and Bill, please know that all of you have been in our prayers and praying that our Loving Lord will wrap you in his arms and provide strength to each.
If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to let us know.
With our deepest sympathies and In God's Love,
The Blackman's, Lee & Sylvia from Clear Water Estates
August 14, 2014
Ray and Patty Longoria
We are sorry for your loss, may the memories of Terrys well lived life bring the family peace.
August 14, 2014
Don Darling
Terry was a wonderful husband, a great dad and my friend. He loved the Lord along with his entire family, I will miss him.
August 14, 2014
Karen & Jim Wilkinson
Jim and I were priviledged to enjoy his wonderful culinary skills, his love of hosting wonderful parties and his great sense of humor. Terry and Gail were a great team. I pray for God's arms to surround the women Terry loved so much. Much love and God's peace.
August 14, 2014
Josie Jimenez
My deepest condolences to the family. Terry was a wonderful person and amazing co-worker. He has always been in my thoughts and prayers since we share the same birth day. He will be missed, rest in peace.
August 14, 2014
Lee Alycia Knowles (Green)
My prayers are with the family of Mr. Terry. I understand the pain of losing a loved one due to unforeseen circumstances. May God give you all peace and comfort. Mr. Terry had a sweet spirit and it was a joy to have worked with him.
May he rest in peace.
August 14, 2014
Cheryl Ringo
My thoughts are with you and your family. My deepest Condolences.
August 14, 2014
Diana Dietsch
Gail, I am touched by your loss and my heart goes out to you and your family. Terry seems like he was such a wonderful husband, father, friend and companion who lived a purposeful and meaningful life, as God intended. May the love you share live on in you and your children forever!
August 14, 2014
Cindi Garcia
My deepest sympathy to the family. Terry was a wonderful person and had a beautiful smile. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time. God Bless
August 14, 2014
Dave Hansen
Gail and family, may God send his richest blessings of comfort and peace to you at this time of tragic loss and sorrow. Know you are in our prayers and extend our deepest condolences.
August 14, 2014
Barbara Rios
My deepest sympathy to the family. I see his picture and think of how he is smiling in heaven. What a great person to have known and worked with. I still remember his smile. He accomplished alot during his time off. God Bless
August 14, 2014
Denise Jones
I feel your loss as if it were mine. I will truly miss him. God Bless you, Kelsey and Jillian. I am praying for you and the girls.
August 14, 2014
Bank of New York Granados
May you rest in peace Terry Stewart. God Bless You
August 14, 2014
Dave and Glenda Miller
Gail, our deepest sympathy to you and your daughters and family in the tragic loss of your husband. We pray that you will be comforted by the love of God, your family and friends
August 14, 2014
M&G Woo
Gail, Kelsey and Jillian our deepest condolences for your loss. We are deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Terry. His passing was much too soon as we will miss him very much. However, God has greater plans for him and his wonderful personality and good heart. Terry was very likable, personable, good-hearted and was always wearing a smile.
WHAT A GREAT GREAT GUY! Rest in peace my friend.
August 14, 2014
What a wonderful smile and hug have been added to the abundance of Heaven. My prayers are with you all. Elizabeth Albright
August 13, 2014
Bob and Charlott Hart
Our prayers are with you all.
August 12, 2014
Glenn Barnett
What a tragedy and untimely loss. Terry, dedication as a husband and a father, friendship to us all, service to others,and your business and chef skills were from another generation. You were always comfortable to speak with and careful with your thoughts and works in a way few could match. We will assist the girls with anything that they could ever ask for and be happy that we are in service and honoring you. Blessings and Godspeed Terry!
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