John Bruce Steward

John Bruce Steward John Bruce Steward, formerly of Wichita Falls and Dallas, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2009, in Austin, Texas at the age of 85. He was born August 15, 1923, to parents Una and Eldridge Steward in Wichita Falls, Texas. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1939 and attended the University of Texas in Austin. After the attack on Pearl Harbor he left school and enlisted in the Naval Air Corp, serving on the U.S.S. Antietam as a fighter pilot. Bruce was married to Janice Hale Steward and they had three sons. Although the union ended in divorce, Bruce and Janice remained close, devoted friends. Bruce enjoyed music, singing and directing the choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls as well as singing tenor in a barbershop quartet. Upon his retirement from the travel business he moved to Austin in 2002 and soon became a devoted fan of the UT women's basketball, volleyball and softball teams. He also enjoyed attending performances of the Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin and the summer film series at the Paramount Theater as well as partaking of the Austin live music scene. He rekindled several old friendships and made many new friends during his time in Austin, and they helped make his final years a joyous experience. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nadine Steward Hammond and an infant daughter, Una Catherine. Survivors include sons, Peter Steward of Wichita Falls and Stephen Steward of Austin; brother, Don J. Steward of Wichita Falls; many beloved nieces and nephews and last, but not least, his cherished Yorkshire terrier, Annie. A celebration of Bruce's life will take place on Friday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Austin's Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe, Austin, TX with Father Steven Bell officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to your local animal shelter.