Don Allen Stewart

Don Allen Stewart Sr., passed away at the age of 93, on December 30, 2022, in Austin, TX, surrounded by family and friends.
Don was born on May 15, 1929, the second of three children of Thelma (Holton) Stewart and Emmitt Stewart. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948. After graduation he attended the Nixon Clay Commercial College where he graduated in 1950 with a business degree. After graduating he started working for Texas Education Agency (TEA) and shortly thereafter in 1951 was drafted in the Army on Thanksgiving Day to serve in the Korean War. Returning home from his military service in Korea, he was introduced to the love of his life Mary Jo (Bennight) Stewart by one of his aunts in September 1952. They were married on February 20, 1953, and a few months later Don was honorably discharged from the Army. They were blessed with one child; Don Allen Stewart Jr. and were married for 69 years.
Don started working for Sinclair Refining Company in 1953. In 1954 he bought out a Texaco oil distributor where he began distributing to Texaco, Shell, and Chevron. In 2013 he ended his 60-year career in the oil business. When that chapter closed, he began pursuing his next passion, the cattle industry.
Don was a man of faith, right before his marriage, he was baptized in 1952 by G. H. P. Showalter at the Bastrop Church of Christ. In 1955 Don and Mary Jo started attending a church at Joslin Elementary School in Austin, Texas. Shortly after Ford Village Church of Christ was built in 1956. During this time frame there was six men that signed the declaration of corporation of the church for non-profit. Don was the last serving signer of the declaration. In 1974 the elders moved the congregation to its current location, Southwest Church of Christ which is where they worship now. In 1978 the Southwest School of Preaching started. Don served as a deacon for approximately 45 years. Because of his faith he was always helping in any way he could.
Don's gentle demeanor, kindhearted personality blessed and impacted everyone he encountered. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, spraying weeds and checking cows. He supported many students through his contributions to livestock shows and scholarships helping youth continue their education. Through his hard work and dedication, he was fortunate enough to travel to many places with family and friends and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Thelma and Emmitt Stewart, his brother James Stewart, and his sister Edna Ann (Stewart) Gray. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Mary Jo (Bennight) Stewart; his son Don A Stewart Jr. and wife, Crystal; his grandchildren, Gabriella Stewart; Anthony O'Bryan and wife Estella; Hanna Tiner and husband Ryan; Nicolette Ambrose and husband Michael; his great grandchildren, Wynston Tiner; and Oaklynn Tiner. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southwest Church of Christ, 8900 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748; Cattlemen for Cancer Research, PO Box 672, Elgin, TX 78621; or to your favorite charity.