With deep sadness we announce the sudden death of Donald Earl Stewart at the Amarillo VA Hospital from pancreatic cancer on July 14, 2024.
Don was a bold, adventurous, and upbeat guy with a happy outlook on life, a boisterous laugh, and a great sense of humor.
Donald Earl Stewart was born on August 22, 1955, in Waco, Texas to Jimmy Peacock and Patricia Steagall, then adopted by Raymond Stewart.
Don attended high school in Gosnell, Arkansas. Because of his size, 6’5” and 200 lbs., he was a front lineman in his high school football team.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. From 1972-1977, he was a DT3 Medical Core man and a Dental Technician. He served aboard the USS Piedmont AD-17 and the USS Coral Sea CVA-43. Also, he participated in the Armed Forces Expeditionary, (Saigon 1975), and the Armed Forces Expeditionary (Mayaguez, Cambodia 1975.) While in the Navy, he was a heavyweight boxer for his ship.
He married Mary Ellen Chavez in 1978, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Don studied Mechanical Engineering in various community colleges and universities. He went to the Thermo King School in Michigan to study transport refrigeration.
In his 37-year career, he worked as a Certified Thermo King and Carrier Mechanic. He also managed various companies in California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, San Francisco, and Austin, Texas.
Don also owned his own businesses, TTT Truck and Trailer and Transport Refrigeration Services in the San Franscisco and bay area, and Austin, Texas.
During his lifetime, Don continued his interest in various sports as a participant and as a fan. He was a coach and managed an adult men’s baseball team in San Diego, California, and was a little league coach in Portales, New Mexico.
Don was a fan of the San Diego Padres, the Giants in San Francisco, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved seeing his grandsons play football for Melrose Buffaloes in Melrose, New Mexico. He also enjoyed sailing, surfing, windsurfing, baseball, and deep-sea fishing.
During their 45 years together, Don and his beloved wife and partner, Mary Ellen lived in various states. They also enjoyed travelling to Europe, England, Scotland, and Spain. They also traveled to the Caribbean Islands and Eastern/Western Canada, and Eastern and Western United States.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Peacock; his mother, Patricia Steagall-Coca, and his brother James Craig Stewart.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Ellen Stewart; his daughter, Priscilla E. Chavez; grandsons, Thomas Pena and wife Hanna, and Christopher Pena and wife Jacquelyn; great grandchildren, Jacob and Elena Pena; sister-in-law, Maria Jo Stewart; brother-in-law, Michael E. Chavez and wife Patti, and various nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepfather-in-law, Ed Coca; a sister, Vicki Simmons; a niece, Stacy Bobbin and husband Ryan, along with their four daughters; his uncle, Johnny Stegall, as well as other relatives from the Waco, Texas area.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Melrose Senior Center on Main Street, with a catered reception following.
Very sorry for the loss of a good man, and my cousin! Have not seen him since we were kids, but I do remember him, and we visited on farce book many times! Gonna miss you Cousin!