Joe Stewart passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Katy, TX on a beautiful fall day, Sunday, October 20, 2019.
In celebration of his life, viewing is scheduled Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:00 -8:00 pm with services the following day, Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 2 pm in the Heartland Funeral Chapel, 303 Early Blvd, Early, TX 76802 officiated by Bill Slaymaker with internment to follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 1921 Early Blvd, Early, TX 76802.
Joseph “Joe” Wendell Stewart was born August 1, 1925 in Port Arthur, TX to Ernest Limon and Jennie Mae Stewart. He relocated to Early, Texas, as a small child. He attended Early School, Daniel Baker College and served his country during World War 2 in the Merchant Marines. He later joined the movie industry as a stand-in for Clint Walker of the series Cheyenne and later as a stunt double for John Wayne. No matter where his journey directed him: lumberjacking in Washington State, hopping boxcars in the Nevada desert or hitchhiking through a blizzard in the Colorado Rockies, he always called Texas his home. After settling down to manage the family dairy farm, he continued cattle ranching into his 90’s. Never a more charismatic character could you ever meet, nor did a better story-teller exist. He will be greatly missed. His life encapsulated a man who lived life to the fullest—If he missed even one moment…..It wasn’t his fault!
He is survived by one brother, Lloyd Stewart (wife Ann Stewart); 4 daughters: Carol Stewart, Karan Stewart, Jenny Stewart and Kay Scott Gordon; 4 grandchildren: Jason Stewart, David Stewart, Keri Gordon Neff and Corey Hernandez; 6 great grandchildren: Connor Stewart, Sasha Stewart, Gabriel Neff, Nathaniel Neff, Kiana Hernandez and Kierra Hernandez; Special recognition noted for nephew: Elton Stewart, who was as close to him as any son could ever be. Extended family members include: Vickie Stewart, Max Stewart, Sheila Stewart, Walt White, Dale Blyden, Cyndi Stewart, Gregg Jaglinski and Zelda Lady along with many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Stewart and parents, Ernest and Jennie Freeland Stewart.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be offered to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (800-805-5856) in his memory.