Wayne A. Stewart

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.