Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Lowell Steward
1919 - 2014
Lowell Steward
1919 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1919
DIED
2014
Lowell Steward Obituary
His son Lowell Jr. says Steward died Wednesday of natural causes at a hospital in Ventura.
After graduating with a business degree from Santa Barbara College in 1941, Steward joined the Army Air Corps and trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama.
He was shipped to Italy in 1944 with the 100th Fighter Squadron of the famed all-black unit. From Capodechino Air Base in Naples, Steward completed 96 missions, flying P-39 Airacobras and P-40 Warhawks. Later based in Ramitelli, Italy, he flew 96 escort and strafing missions in P-51 Mustangs.
America's first black military pilots faced an unprecedented level of scrutiny under racial segregation. As a result they held themselves to a higher standard, Steward often said.
"He would say, 'we had to be better because we were looked at harder. The odds were stacked against us. Some people wanted us to fail,'" Lowell Jr. said.
Steward was ultimately awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After being discharged in 1946, he moved to Los Angeles and tried to buy a house, only to be repeatedly denied bank loans because he was black.
"After several encounters like that he said, 'I need to figure out how to finance my own home.' That's when he went to real estate school," Lowell Jr. said.
Steward became one of the first black real estate agents in Los Angeles and went on to a 40-year career in the industry.
He helped organize and later served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a group devoted to preserving the legacy of the fighter pilots. He also founded a scholarship foundation in the name of the airmen.
In 2007, Steward was present at the U.S. Capitol when President George W. Bush presented members of the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Steward's wife of 60 years, Helen, died in 2004. In addition to Lowell Jr., he is survived by daughters Shelley Lambert and Pamela Mills, along with 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A funeral is planned for next week.
CHRISTOPHER WEBER, Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
154 Entries
Valenda Newell
November 24, 2016
WHAT A MAN..WHAT A MAN..so many accomplishments, A hero to be remembered..his name will always be in the history books..PRAYERS and BLESSINGS
January 30, 2015
What a legacy of boldness, endurance, and courage Mr. Steward left! Although, it's heartbreaking when reading all he went through just for his race, it's also an outstanding example not to let anything or anyone discourage you from accomplishing your goals. May the Steward family be granted the strength and comfort they need to deal with the loss of a loved one from our Heavenly Father... Acts 10:34,35...
The Vincent Family
January 5, 2015
TO THE STEWARD FAMILY:
What a productive person your family had! You have so many memories to cherish and to think about now. Soon your love one will be gently awaken from sleep. Death is only a deep sleep that a person is in until GOD awakens this one, just as Jesus demonstrated at John 11:11-14, 38-44. May your family hold on to this promise that was made for all of our loved ones that are resting in sleep.
January 2, 2015
Be assured that God will give the grieving strength to endure. 1 Cor. 10:13.
How you can show support
January 1, 2015
May the God of comfort continue to strengthen you and your family. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sandra Hightower
December 30, 2014
A real hero is what we had in Lowell Steward. What he accomplished will forever be etched in history. God bless the family, you all were so blessed to have him in your midst.
Sandra
Sandra Wiley
December 30, 2014
U left footprints in history for other African American males. As a single African American mother, I Thank You & your crew. God in Heaven Bless the families. AMEN
otis white
December 29, 2014
Thank you for your service and for paving the road for others to follow.
December 29, 2014
Good Bless
December 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to he family. May your cherished memories and the drawing close to God be a comfort in your time of sorrow.
Lena Collins
December 29, 2014
A Hero to many.
December 28, 2014
My heart goes out to the Steward Family during their time of grievance. Lowell sounded like a man of extraordinary courage and bravery. His example brings to mind another man like that: his name was Joshua (Joshua 1:9).
December 27, 2014
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
Matthew OConnell
December 26, 2014
This great fellow was a great American. He not only saw our country change, he helped changed it as well. We should all salute him as a hero to all Americans. He never quit; he never laid down;he always loved his country and his fellow citizens. God Bless him and all of the Tuskegee Airman and all of our World War 2 vets...they saved us.
Brenda
December 26, 2014
I am so deeply indebted to Mr. Steward for the fine example he set for African Americans who followed him, doing so with so many odds against him. I vow to prove myself worthy of all the doors that were opened to me because of him and his comrades. Since we know that our Heavenly Father sees and hears everything, He is diligently working toward his promise of correcting all wrongs and providing future blessing to all his services who love and obey him, doing so by means of his Kingdom. (Matthew 6:10). Meanwhile, cherished memories of Lowell Steward will forever be treasured!
L. Beach
December 26, 2014
To the Steward Family,
My thanks to Mr. Steward for his service to our country, may he rest in peace. And may his place in American history live on. My prayers are with you.
December 25, 2014
Cherish the memories!! God will open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
L C
December 25, 2014
May the lovely memories remain in the hearts of the entire Steward family.
December 25, 2014
I'm sorry for the loss of Mr. Lowell Steward. I'm happy for the courage and dignity he displayed and while enduring unjust discrimination. He is a hero to many. May God comfort his family during this difficult time Acts 10:34.
Keisha
December 24, 2014
Well done Mr. Stewart! A life well lived a great man to look up to. My your soul R.I.P and your memories live on in history. To Mr. Stewart's family, you have my deepest condolences and may God be with you during this very difficult time.
December 24, 2014
a real hero fought odds to fly others could not dream about.
Aaron
December 24, 2014
May the God of all Comfort bring you peace & comfort you in these hard times. (2 Cor 1:3)
Annette
December 24, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 24, 2014
May the family find peace in this time of sadness and loss.
Frank Johnson
December 24, 2014
In His Grace!
Johnsons
December 24, 2014
Mr. Stewart was part of a unique group in the history of world war II, that we all do well to learn more about. Such ashame that after such sacrafices he came home to endure more prejudice. We look forward to a future when people the world over will share the same attitude a our creator, "God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what id right is acceptable to him." Acts 10:34,35
Our deepest condolences to the family, may God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Corletta Hardy
December 24, 2014
May the holy spirit comfort you all hearts as you lay mr.stewart to rest.Glory be to god I think him for serving the country and for being a remarkable man and citizen of the United States.You all will have great memories and his legacy will live own.God has a crown with his n as me on it.His crown is filled with gems oh what a celebration this going to be when he arrived in HEAVEN.
Bertha l. Pruitt
December 23, 2014
We all share your loss. This group means a great deal to all of US.
In sympathy.
Pamela Strong
December 23, 2014
Mr. Steward was blessed with special mightiness. Psalm 90:10
Ani
December 23, 2014
Thank you for your service. Well done thou good and faithful servant. Until we meet again, rest in the light of God's love.
Chris
December 23, 2014
What a beautiful legacy. May the family find comfort in God's future promises "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said: "Look! I am making all things new." Also he says: Write, for these words are faithful and true."
December 23, 2014
Sincere condolences.
Susan Edwards
December 23, 2014
God bless you Sir, for your bravery in the defense of our great country! You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. RIP Mr. Steward.
December 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terri Hassett
December 22, 2014
I never knew anything about the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution to the war until I saw a Discovery Channel special about how hard these men worked to become pilots and gain the respect of the US Military, OMG! They really did give their lives for their country! I can't think of anything to say to show how much respect I have for each and every one of these men! RIP Mr. Steward, you have more than earned your place in Heaven.
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 22, 2014
rip
Dave Simmons
December 22, 2014
Pam, so sorry to hear about your father, but I am so happy I had the wonderful opportunity to meet him. Take care, Dave.
Patrick Dowley
December 22, 2014
My son and I met this gentleman and four other airmen. Sir, thank you for serving in a difficult time for our nation.
A proud and grateful American
December 22, 2014
Sir, Thanks for all that you did to pave the way for others to come after you.. many sacrifices had to be made by you and your commrades and I for one do not take them for granted, you deserve every accolade/award that has been bestowed on you and more. Our country would not be the great country that it is today without contributions and perseverance such as yours. We honor you and may your legacy live on forever!
Jan Rutherford
December 22, 2014
Finest of the fine....bravest of the brave....this airman will never be forgotten.
December 22, 2014
TO THE STEWART FAMILY MY CONDOLENCE
December 22, 2014
May the memory of your loved one be of comfort to you in your time of distress.Look to God and He will give you the peace that you seek...isa.66:13....nc
December 22, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the Steward Family. May the comfort and peace that God provides sustain you as well as the support of family and friends.
G.. Freeman
December 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bambi McKibbon-Turner
December 22, 2014
I honor you, Sir, for your sacrifices and for your distinguished service to our country. Rest in peace.
Emmette Taylor
December 22, 2014
Thank you for your service to our great country. May God bless you as you RIP.
December 22, 2014
Let the memories of your loved one always remain and let God grant you peace and comfort.
Steve Redd
December 22, 2014
As a former Airman myself, Im very proud of you. Thank You for your service. Thank you for making our Nation a better and safer place. Thank you for being an AMERICAN. God Bless you and your family.
Lindsey
December 22, 2014
Mr. Steward and all the other Tuskegee Airmen showed such courage strength and professionalism. Being African American men in the 1940 was very difficult But they proved what real men are made of. "You must not be partial in judgement. You should hear the small one the same as the great one. You must not be intimidated by men for the judgement belongs to God and if a case is too difficult for you you should present it to me and I will hear it". We await our Creator to end all forms of prejudice . Until that time may Mr. Stewart take a well deserved rest.
Marquez and D'Aja Reed Jr., Geraldine Postell and King Family
December 22, 2014
To the Family, I wished I could have meet Mr. Steward. The Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA had an outstanding display of the Tuskegee Airmen. I took several pictures. Keep your dad Legacy alive. May God Blessed, Comfort and Keep each of you from this time forth and forever more.
TinaMarie Scudder Palmer
December 22, 2014
Thank you Sir, for keeping us safe and free. Rest in Peace. Prayers for your family and friends.
December 22, 2014
May the God of peace be with this family now and always.
December 22, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. He must have been one hell of a good man.
Madeline Marcelia Garvin
December 22, 2014
Captain Lowell Steward's dedication and fortitude will always be remembered for he faithfully served his country as a loyal Tuskegee Airman. Thank you for your commitment and thank you for protecting us all. Condolences to family and friends.
December 22, 2014
Job well done. RIP
Linda
December 22, 2014
To the family of Lowell Steward please accept my sincere condolences. At Psalm 56:8 David pleaded to God: "Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book? Like David I know that God is aware of your pain and what you
are going through emotionally. He will give you what you need to live each day
Angela King
December 22, 2014
Thank you for your dedication.
Ann Reynolds
December 21, 2014
Your're in my prayers.
Bobby Gordon
December 21, 2014
U can fly in peace now, my brother.
Robin Rogers
December 21, 2014
To the Beloved Family,
Our Marine family salutes your father, grand and great grandfather for a holy life spent in service to our country. Go into the arms of the Almighty to rest! Well done sweet brown love of the wife of 60 years.
Robin Rogers and Patricia Rogers
Community: Camp Lejeune Marine Corps
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Stan Ruff
December 21, 2014
Thank you for your superb contribution to mankind in general and to the African American community specifically. RIP in heaven where I'm sure your well earned wings will take you.
Doc Hecker
December 21, 2014
Thank you for your service as another hero of the greatest generation. Fly high and touch the face of God! From a retired soldier.
December 21, 2014
I didn't know of Mr Steward but God Bless. Thanks for your courage and service. R.I.P.
Erma Davis
December 21, 2014
May you find comfort from the peace of God during your bereavement and in the days ahead - Phillipians 4 : 6,7.
Richard Farkas
December 21, 2014
Thank you for keeping us safe,your bravery is out standing. R.I.P.
Bill Matthies
December 21, 2014
Thank you Mr Stewart a true American hero and God Bless you for standing up for your self when he times were a lot different and we still haven't got there and thank you to his family.
Lewis Conrad
December 21, 2014
America has lost a true HERO!
God Bless
December 21, 2014
You airmen were real heroes, giving your lives for your country. Such a shame to be treated like that after the war, and the fight goes on. Thanks you for your service and dedication.
Lynn Wenzel
Greg Scarborough
December 21, 2014
That's CAPTAIN Lowell Steward, a former "Officer" in the US Army Air Corps Tuskegee Airmen. RIP "SIR"....and thank you for your service......Prayers up for his family!
Jane Dowling
December 21, 2014
Thank you for your service, Mr. Steward. God bless you and your loved ones ~
December 21, 2014
Good for you Lowell, you had a good life. God bless you and I wish your family peace.
S J Chambers
December 21, 2014
A true American Hero. Thank you for your service to our country. RIP
Pearl Lance
December 21, 2014
True Hero's everyone of them . They served their country with Honor but still faced a stigma. They perseved and finally were given the Honor they were due. God Bless them and their families. I met a few of them at an airshow in Pa and finer gentlemen you could not ask for. Rest In Peace in the arms of your God . Well done Sir well done.
December 21, 2014
So very inspiring! May God comfort your family and may they treasure the wonderful legacy that you and your wife have left them.
Emma Wynn
December 21, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jeanette & William Hanna
December 21, 2014
God Speed
~ Lowell Steward ~
Tamara M. Tolliver
December 21, 2014
Thank you for your Service Mr. Steward. May GOD watch over the Steward family and friends during this difficult time.
James Brown
December 21, 2014
Mr. Steward,
Thank you for your service; for the courage and bravery with which you faced the enemies abroad, and the haters at home. I pray that you have traded the clumsy, cumbersome metal wings of man for the glorious, gossamer wings of God; that you, your fellow airman, present and departed, and your family find peace,rest, solace, and everlasting restoration in His loving arms.
STEVEN TAYLOR
December 21, 2014
TO THE FAMILY OF LOWELL STEWARD;
THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN W.W.II.
MR. STEWARD WAS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING SERVICE.
the Magee's
December 21, 2014
to the Steward's family: with sympathy - through God's Love and divine understanding, I pray that He grant you the kind of comfort that He alone can give. “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4). May the love of those around you and the love of God, help you through the days ahead .
Colleen
December 21, 2014
Thank you for your service and helping to preserve our freedom.
Daniel Anderson
December 20, 2014
May you find peace that transcends all. You have flown with Angles and you fly with them again.
R Seay
December 20, 2014
Thank You for your service Captain Lowell, you are a true American hero. God be with you and family sir.
Michael Jones
December 20, 2014
Sending prayers to the family. thank you for your courage for standing up for freedom. Gone but not forgotten
December 20, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
RR
December 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family,
God's promises a time when death tears and will be no more.
December 20, 2014
May the God of all Comfort,comfort the family through these trying times.
alice stottko
December 20, 2014
God Bless you and thank-you for your service .
Mrs. Pearson
December 20, 2014
Mr. Steward lived a long life of courage, determination and excellence. What a legacy he left behind. I hope to meet him in paradise.
December 20, 2014
Thank you for your bravery and service to the country when you also had to fight terrible discrimination within the ranks. You are a true hero.
T Griffin
December 20, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
December 20, 2014
May the God of comfort help your family at this time of your loss. Please remember Jesus said he will call all of our dead love ones and they will hear him and come out.
knox
December 20, 2014
SORRY FOR THE LOST OF YOUR LOVE ONES MAY YOU FIND PEACE IN GOD WHO BRINGS COMFORTT TO ALL THE MOURNING ONES. ISIAH6;1,2.
Carol Johnston
December 20, 2014
The Tuskegee Airmen were true HEROS fighting tremendous odds. They were strong and confident.
Their legacy will live on. They had class and grace. I pray that they have a very special place in Heaven.
Harry Simpson
December 20, 2014
Rest Lowell, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Lawrence Richards
December 20, 2014
Mr. Steward, as a Caucasian, I apologize to you for the treatment you got from prejudiced America. I thank you for your service to our country and I admire your courage and fortitude in overcoming so many obstacles. You are the best of the best. RIP in The Father's arms.
Showing 1 - 100 of 154 results
Make a Donation
in Lowell Steward's name
How to support Lowell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lowell Steward's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored