1927
2013
Captain Wayne Arlee Stewart CHC USN (Ret)
1927 – 2013
Wayne Stewart was born Dec. 17, 1927, in Trousedale, Kansas, and was raised
in Luray, Kansas. He joined the Navy in 1945. On Dec. 30th 1951 he married the "Joy" of his life, Joyce Weis of San Jose, California. He left the Navy as an AT2 in Dec. 1952.
Wayne developed a thirst for knowledge which took he and Joy to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi then to Texas A and I, Now Texas A and M in Kingsville, Texas, then to San Jose State University in San Jose, California, then Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, Arizona, and finally to William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. The final move was so he could assist his family with the last days of his beloved step mother Alma's life. She suffered from cancer. After graduating from Jewell with an AB degree in Economics he attended Louisiana State University as a graduate teaching assistant. He entered New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he won his Master of Divinity degree. He did further graduate study at the University of West Florida earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science as well as working towards a Masters Degree in Psychology. He did graduate study at the University of Kentucky, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard University when the Navy selected him for Post Graduate Training. Wayne felt Gods calling and entered the ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Kingsville, Texas where he was licensed to the Gospel Ministry. He was ordained while Pastor at Prairie Hill Baptist Church in Missouri, and subsequently was Pastor at Cowgill Baptist Church in Cowgill, Missouri and Calvary Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, He reentered active duty in the U.S.Navy as a Chaplain. After 22 years, in 1982 he retired at the rank of Captain.
Wayne's enlisted military experience included: NTC San Diego, CA, NATTC Jacksonville, FL, Naval Air Test Center Patuxent River, MD, NATTC Ward Island Corpus Christi, TX, NATTC Memphis, TN, NAS Moffett Field, CA, NAS Corpus Christi, TX and NAS Kingsville, TX. As a Navy Chaplain he served in the Chaplains School Newport, RI, NTC Great Lakes, IL, USS CURRITUCK AV-7, Third Marine Division Camp Pendleton, CA, Third Marine Force Chu Lai, Vietnam, NS Key West, FL, Post Graduate Study at Harvard University Cambridge, MA, NS Treasure Island, CA, Personal Response Office for Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam, Command Chaplain NTTC Cory Station, Pensacola, FL, Command Chaplain USS CONSTELLATION CV-64, Assistant Force Champlain for Dependents Assistance COMNAVSURPAC San Diego, CA, Command Chaplain Naval Support Activity Detachment Gaeta, Italy, and NAS Pensacola, FL Among his many military decorations are two Meritorious Service Medals.
In Retirement Wayne was as busy as always. He worked for Richards Memorial United Methodist Church as business manager then with Mantech Mathetics providing training courses for Navy Chaplains. Redeemer Lutheran Church for one year teaching computers. He was interim minister at Azalea Hills Christian Church in Mobile, AL, Senior Minister at First Christian in Pensacola, FL, when a stroke forced him to retire again. After his recovery, he served as Minister to Seniors and later Sunday school teacher at First Christian, interim Minister and later Sunday school teacher at Westwood Christian in Pensacola, FL, interim Minister and later Sunday school teacher at Westwood Christian Fort Walton Beach, FL, and supply Minister at South Baldwin Christian Church and President of D&D Linens. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association and served as Pensacola chapter's Chaplain. He was a certified member in the County Court System of Escambia County, FL, a 55 year plus member of the Masonic Lodge: Member of Scottish Rite Lodge as a 32degree mason. He also held life membership in the Disabled American Veterans, and the USS CURRITUCK Association. Wayne wrote several mystery books and published a book on his relationship with his daughter entitled She's My Daughter, He's My Dad and one on his relationship with his son entitled, Hey Dad.
Wayne was a good man. Kind to others and helping people any way he could. A devout believer and servant of Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dotting grandfather. He always saw the best in people and enjoyed every job he ever had and at 80 he finally retired for the last time. His popularity is indicated in the many letters and plaques he received during his life and by the many friends he has. He touched many people throughout his life and served mankind and his country tirelessly. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Estel, his step mother Alma, and Sister Barbara McClung. He is survived by his wife Joyce Elizabeth Stewart, Son David Wayne Stewart and daughter Betty Joyce Stewart and her husband, Rodger Rookey, as well as a host of grand kids, great grand kids, nieces and nephews, former parishioners and friends all of which he loved very much.
A viewing will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home at 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL Sunday April 14 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Oak Lawn Monday April 15 at 12:30. Interment will be in Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer's and or the Disabled American Veterans.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 16, 2013
Don Schick
Pastor Wayne Stewart was a huge influence in my life. He brought me to the Lord without my even realizing he was doing it. He was always so caring and giving. I edited several of his mystery novels as a way to try to return some of the love and kindness he bestowed upon me and my family. I learned of his passing too late to attend the service, a fact which will always bring a sadness and incompleteness to my life. God has taken a great addition to His Kingdom.
April 28, 2013
James Gailey
Chaplain Stewart was such a positive influence on so many lives. Now he is with our Lord. Jim (Doc) and Patsy Gailey
April 21, 2013
I met Chaplain Stewart as a Bible College Student in San Francisco and later as a Golden Gate Seminary student when he was stationed at Treasure Island. The only well balanced and down to earth Chaplain (at the time) stationed at TI he had a great influence on me helping me to learn what is important and what is not when in the navy. I later met up again with Wayne when I was a young navy chaplain stationed at 32nd Street Naval Station, San Diego. Wayne had his "wetting down" party which is traditional in the navy when you get promoted. He made captain (O6) and we who knew him believed it was well deserved. He now has experienced his last promotion in to glory. God will continue to bring a harvest from the ministries of Chaplain Stewart. Jerry Bruce, CDR, USN-Retired in England
April 17, 2013
Ken and Nancie Brannon
Pastor Wayne was a wonderful and great man! He was my Pastor at Westwood Christian Church. He was also the Chaplain at my retirement ceremony from the United States Navy. I always loved to sit and talk with him. He had a lot of interesting stories to tell. He was a family man who loved his family so very much! One thing I will always remember him saying when I said I was too old to go to law school was - "Well how old will you be if you don't go?" That thought stays with me a lot. I know he is happy and rejoicing with Jesus now. He will be greatly missed.
Ken and Nancie Brannon
April 14, 2013
Stephen Oliver
I'm so very thankful to God for Chaplain Stewart and the wonderfully kind impression he left upon me as a young guy at Chaplains School in 1986. I remember his talk in which he described what a supervisory chaplain is like, noting that one of the main characteristics was a bulging wallet since it held photos of family and grandchildren!
April 14, 2013
Beth (Markley) Dibben
My Uncle Wayne. I've spent many visits through out my childhood in the home of this wonderful man and his family. Laughter,love,and faith are the heart of my memories there. I find much comfort in the visual of my Mother and Uncle Wayne reunited,laughing and reminiscing for eternity. To my cousins David & Betty, and my Aunt Joy, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and love are with you.
April 14, 2013
Don Leigh
I Miss him already. He was my friend and we talked often. If God keeps him as busy in Heaven as he was on earth he will be busy indeed. Till we meet again.
April 13, 2013
Julie Tresnak
I have great memories of my Great Uncle Wayne from childhood and throughout my life. He spoke at my brothers funeral. He spent time with us two summers ago and my children got to see how great he was. He will be missed.
Julie (Markley) Tresnak
April 13, 2013
Fred Zobel
Wayne made a wonderfully positive difference in the lives of many people in and out of the Navy. It was a privilege to know him and be one of his clergy and Navy friends. Sorry that we'll miss the service but we're presently in Arizona.
April 12, 2013
Reverend Stewart was a man to look up to. He performed the wedding ceremonies's of my 3 daughters and dedicated my first grandchild. He will be missed greatly. Gerry Bradley
April 12, 2013
Bradley's
He was a wonderful man. He was our pastor that married all of us Bradley girls at First Christian Church. And dedicated our daughter, Jessica. He will be missed. All our love.
April 12, 2013
Susan Intermoia
Prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. You were a great preacher, and I used to love to listen to you at Westwood Christian many years ago. You will be missed very much. God Bless.
April 12, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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