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George Stewart Obituary

George W. Stewart, Jr. (USN Cmdr. Ret) passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family on August 3, 2014 after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Stewart was born in Clinton, SC during a time when the local cotton mill persuaded the families to leave their jobs on the farm and come work for them. Pay was minimal and health issues rampant. By the time Mr. Stewart was born, he had already lost all 3 of his young sisters to diphtheria and cholera. His mom also died of diphtheria when Mr. Stewart turned just 5 years old. Shuffled from one family member to another, and never having a bed to sleep on, he dreamed of a better life. So when he turned 17, he left with just the clothes on his back and walked out of town looking for his dreams to come true. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit in 1942. With only a 7th grade education, he knew he would need to study longer and work harder than everyone else to achieve his goals. He was going to make a difference.

Mr. Stewart served 30 years in the Navy and advanced to the rank of Commander. His last duty was Commanding Officer of the Navy Oceanographic Research Facility, Lewes, Delaware.

And while his new career was taking off to a great start, Mr. Stewart met the love of his life, Charlene Jean Crouse, and they married in 1948. Her strength and love allowed him to focus on his career and make a better life for his family than the life he knew growing up.

Commander Stewart was torpedoed while serving in World War II, he was part of the occupational forces in Japan following the war, and he participated in the first atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll after the war. His ship participated in many of the amphibious landings in the Korean War and surveyed the west coast of Vietnam while serving as the Commanding Officer of USS Towhee AGS-28 during the Vietnam Conflict.

After retiring from the Navy, Commander Stewart became Delaware's first Boating Law Administrator. In that capacity, he directed the State Boating Safety Program, supervised the Marine Police, Boat Registrations, Boat Safety Education Program, State Game Wardens and the Hunter Safety Program. He retired from State service in 1987 and was presented the "Order of the First State Award" by the Honorable Mike Castle, Governor, State of Delaware. This is the highest award that can be bestowed on an individual by the Governor of Delaware.

Following his retirement from State service, Mr. Stewart worked with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for 18 years, specializing in testifying before Senate hearings. Mr. Stewart is the recipient of the prestigious "August A. Busch Jr. Michelob Schooner Award", the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators "Bonner Award", the NASBLA Award and the Legislative Award.

Mr. Stewart was widowed in 2001 following 53 blessed years of marriage to Charlene. His sadness was overwhelming, and we thank the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, DE for helping him overcome his grief and get involved with local activities. It was there that he met Ms. Ella Robinson in 2005, and she introduced him to the love of art. Learning to paint in his 80's, his entries in the Delaware State Fair won numerous ribbons.

He is survived by his four children: Carolyn Porter (Gary) of Dover, DE, Wayne Stewart (Janeen) of Washington, KS, Gary Stewart (Kerry) of Millsboro, DE, and Becky (Doug) of Magnolia, DE. Nine grandchildren: Richard, Jennifer, Katie, Kirsten, Michael, Rachael, Ian, Quinn and Drew. Six great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Jessica, Austin, Conner, Aaron, and Raya. And five step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held, 6PM, Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call from 4:30 till 6. Interment will be at Bass Point Cemetery, Boone, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Mr. Stewart's philosophy has always been, "success is a journey, not a destination."

Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by Dover Post from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George Stewart

Sponsored by Torbert Funeral Chapels.

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August 13, 2014

Sending my condolences and thoughts of love to the friends and family. May the memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. I hope that you may be able to draw consolation and strength from the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)

August 12, 2014

My heart goes out to you for your deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved George. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)

August 10, 2014

My Sincere Condolences to the Stewart Family. May the God who comforts us during our stressful times [Psalm 83:18] strengthen you.

Dawn

August 8, 2014

I pondered signing this Guest Book when I first read George's obituary, but having never met the man and because there were no entries yet, I decided not to. I worried the family would think it odd. But coming back, I see others who did not know this man took the chance I was afraid to take. George (kind of partial to his name, that was my Father's name) sounds like the kind of person everyone should aspire to be. It sounds as if George was a very hard worker, humble and loved his family deeply. I hope that knowing this small description of his life moved many who did not know him, to acknowledge such a wonderful man and pass their condolences on to his family, brings them some comfort during this difficult time. Cherish the memories you have and try to live life as this sweet man lived his.

August 7, 2014

My sincere condolences on your great loss. May you find peace and comfort during this sad time…Psalm 25:16,17

Bill Daniel

August 6, 2014

It was indeed an honor knowing George Stewart. He was always ready to help when I became the BLA for West Virginia in 1988. He had quite a "journey" during his 89 years on this earth. God Bless him and all his Family and Friends, Bill Daniel, Retired

Tami Hartwig

August 6, 2014

Uncle George was a great man - quiet and stately but always gave you his undivided attention. I so enjoyed his and Aunt Sharlene's visits back here to Iowa. There was so much more to him that I never knew..that's how he lived; he didn't believe nor want to be the center of attention. He loved his family and I am sure he was motivated by his own childhood to give so much more to his own children. Thank you Uncle George for being such a great man! Please give Aunt Sharlene a big hug!

August 5, 2014

While I did not know Mr. Stewart, his life story was inspiring. Wishing his family comfort knowing he was blessed.
Judy - Lewes

The Day the angels cried

Maureen Welsh LPN

August 5, 2014

To a true, Delaware Hero. Mr Stewart was "bright" beyond his education. He always gave of himself.

cynthia showalter

August 5, 2014

I read this amazing individuals obit and just have to comment. I am so sorry for your loss. This mans life was definitely a journey and it is just amazing to read how much he accomplished. Please take comfort that he led a long and fulfilling life. It is wonderful he has a large family to pass on his proud legacy. My deepest sympathies. Please look back on the many happy times with a smile.

Chuck Riley

August 5, 2014

While I did not know the Commander, I do want to express my sympathy to his family. He was a self made man that went through many hardships, and through his strong will and dedication achieved a very memorable and honorable life. He was one of Americas heroes. As a retired Chief Petty Officer, I wish the Commander fair winds and following seas...God bless him and his family.

Ed Huntsman

August 5, 2014

A great mentor and friend to those involved in boating safety everywhere - George was sometimes a man of few words, but you always knew what he thought. It was an honor to have stood in his shadow and he will be missed. Debbie joins me in hopes that fond memories will soon begin to fill the void in our hearts by the passing of one of boating safety's giants.

Ed Crouse

August 5, 2014

Uncle George was an amazing man with a phenomenal life story. He had a way of making everyone he spoke with feel important and valuable. As a child I remember being in awe of him but he always made us feel like we were the most significant person in the room. I can see why he was such a successful leader.

Steve and Anita Barlau

August 4, 2014

Our sympathy.

michael towner

August 4, 2014

Even though my grandpa is not here in person i will always carry him in my heart.. My grandpa is my one and only true hero... He will be forever ever missed but never forgoten... R.I.P Grandpa i love you very much

Randy Edwards

August 4, 2014

As a past board member and past president of NASBLA, I worked with George for a number of years. He was truly a gentleman and a statesman...and a great teacher and mentor. I always appreciated what he called his "nickle's worth" of advice. He leaves a long and meaningful legacy to all who knew him. God bless you, George Stewart.

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Memorial Events
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Aug

6

Calling hours

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Torbert Funeral Chapels

1145 Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19904

Aug

6

Funeral service

6:00 p.m.

Torbert Funeral Chapels

1145 Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19904

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Torbert Funeral Chapels

1145 Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19904

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