Lavelle Jones Stewart Jr.

Our beloved father, Lavelle J (“LJ”) Stewart, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024 at the age of 95. LJ was born in 1929 to June Pace Stewart (later Barry) and Lavelle J Stewart Sr (“Red Stewart”). He grew up in various small towns in southern Texas including Nordheim, Runge, and Mercedes and he had numerous stories and tales about his adventures and friends in those places. He graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio Texas in 1946 and attended Texas A&M and Texas Western College where he got a degree in Geology.

His father was a jazz musician and LJ learned how to play the ukulele and sing at an early age. He was introduced to the game of polo by his stepfather Bill Barry whom he adored. Under Bill Barry’s guidance he learned how to ride and train polo ponies and played in and refereed numerous polo tournaments.

LJ enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged from McChord AFB in 1952. He then enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the guided missiles program and was honorably discharged from Fort Bliss in 1954. He was proud to serve his country. After discharge he began a 45 year career in the mining industry as a Mineral Exploration Geologist working in New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Texas and Perth Australia. He commented constantly how lucky he was to have a profession that he loved.

LJ married Nilah Wellborn in 1951 (later divorced). They had three loving children, John, Tami and Bill. He met the love of his life and married Barbara Ann Dyer in 1979. Her children Vicki and Kelli became his loving daughters. LJ and Barbara enjoyed many adventures together including traveling, fishing, going to polo games and spending time with good friends and family. LJ loved golf and after he retired he worked as a Marshall at a couple of golf courses in the Fort Worth area.

LJ became a volunteer with the Texas Association of Partners in Education mentoring at Bell Manor Elementary. He was presented with the Texas Senior Volunteer Award in 2007.

To his family, LJ will be remembered as a man’s man, a cowboy, a miner, a storyteller, an adventurer, an entertainer and a stern but caring and generous father who valued hard work and honesty. We will miss his laughter, his kind heart, his knowledge, his playful personality and his many nights singing and playing the ukulele.

LJ is survived by his daughters Tami Dobbs, Vicki Meadows and Kelli Boler, his sons John (Jackie) Stewart and Bill Stewart, his sister JoAnn Cronin and nephews Edward Cole and John Cole, five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Barbara, grandson Christopher, and sons-in-law Tim Dobbs and Robbie Meadows.

There will be a family graveside service in January. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Disabled American Vets or your favorite charity.

“Too well loved to ever be forgotten”

You were our rock. You will be missed immeasurably.