Gilbert H. Stewart "Stew"

B: 15 Feb 1923
D: 14 Aug 1998

Submitted by:© Jo Aguirre
©Resthaven Funeral Home &
Memory Gardens

STEWART Gilbert H. "Stew", age 75, passed away Friday, August 14, 1998, in OKC. He was born February 15, 1923 in OKC, to Gilbert C. and Edna Stewart.

His involvement in the community and dedication to others began when he joined Troop 35 of the Boy Scouts of America in 1935. Since that time, he had organized three Scout Troops around the world. Stew was awarded the Eagle Scout, Aug. 29, 1939, and inducted into the Order of the Arrow and ultimately awarded its highest honor of Vigil Order of the Arrow. Stew received the award of Silver Beaver Feb. of 1971. He was awarded the 50 year pin in 1985.

Stew married his wife, Loraine Elizabeth (Schwarz) Stewart, in 1951 at Wilmington, N.C.

Stew served his country for 26 years by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1940. He served on the Flight Crew of B24's flying missions over occupied Europe. He was a veteran of the North African Campaign and D-Day. At wars end, Stew returned to Oklahoma and continued his service to others joining the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1946. He served on the Oklahoma City Police Dept. and the Oklahoma City Fire Dept., riding out of Station 5 at NW 23rd and Broadway.

He was recalled to military service in 1950 during the Korean War. He continued his military career in the United States Air Force. Through the Vietnam Era, he served in the Azores, Savannah, Ga., Puerto Rico and Moses Lake, Wa. He retired from the Air Force in 1966 at the rank of Master Sergeant with 12 decorations with Oak Leaf Clusters. He then moved back to his native Oklahoma.

He entered Civil Service, working at Tinker AFB as a Civilian Supervisor at SOUTHCOM. He was continuously involved in his love for Scouting and the promise of youth by actively involving himself in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts organizations in Moore, OK. He was a member of the American Legion and numerous Civic Organizations.

His love of life and friends abounded. He and his wife of 47 years, Loraine, traveled the nation in their motor home. Stew was a member of many Camping and Outdoor clubs, FCRV, Good Sam`s, FMCA, local chapter of "Rolling Rockers" and "Pokie Okies".

Stew was loved by many and lived by his motto, "Live, laugh, love, and be happy."

Stew is preceded in death by parents, 1 sister, Martha.

He is survived by Kennedy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 17, 1998, at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 800 NW 5th, Moore, OK.

Interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, SW 104th & S. Walker, OKC, under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, OKC, OK.