Vernon Lester Stewart

Born in Arlington, South Dakota on December 12, 1930, to Willis A Stewart and Idyle Mae “Nettleton” Stewart. He was raised on a family farm.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He was assigned to the (CBs) Construction Battalion working on the Islands of the South Pacific. He was discharged in 1955.

On May 30, 1953 he married Dorrie Evans Goshen, Indiana. For his last year of service he was stationed in San Diego, California. Dorrie and baby were able to join him there.

They returned to Goshen, Indiana. Three years later they moved with their family to Santa Margarita, California in 1959. Vern leased and operated the 76 Service Station and Auto repair for several years.

He worked in San Luis Obispo for Model linen Supply for ten years. West Side Auto Parts for twenty years. He retired from the Big A Auto Parts store after thirteen years.

Vern loved the Community of Santa Margarita. He was instrumental in the founding of the Santa Margarita Volunteer Fire Department, and served on the fireboard. He also served on the Santa Margarita Civic Association board. He served as chairman of the Days of the Dons Celebration for several years drawing record crowds to our small town. It was an honor for Vern and Dorrie to be King and Queen of the Days of the Dons in 2003.

Vern is survived by his wife of 67 years Dorrie Stewart. Children, Mona and husband Rick Lancaster of Santa Margarita, Ca. Willy and wife Vicki Stewart of Atascadero, Ca. Peggy and husband Jeff Lynn of South Lake Tahoe, Ca. Five grandchildren, Richard and wife Tara Lancaster, Cristin and husband Dustin Knutson, Dylan Lynn, Mackenna and husband Jeremy Waller, and Wesly Stewart. Seven great-grandchildren, Blane, Tyler, and Wade Knutson, Sage, Sierra, and Brook Lancaster, and Dalton Stewart.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents Willis and Idyle Stewart, his brother Alvin Stewart, and sister Luella Stewart.

Services are pending.