Dr. Eddie Ray Stewart

Dr. Eddie Ray Stewart, fondly known as Ed to his friends and loved ones, embarked on his final adventure on May 1, 2024, after a life as vibrant and full of energy as the storms he loved to watch from his porch. Born on January 20, 1949, the youngest of five children, in Ardmore, OK, Ed's journey through life was marked by love, laughter, and a touch of that Stewart analytical genius.
Ed's early days at Wilson High School set the stage for what would be a lifetime of achievements. It was there where he became an All-State football legend and Salutatorian of the class of 1967. He began his college career at the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of the football team. He then transferred to East Central University to complete his studies, a foreshadowing of his future draft into the NFL. He was drafted to the Cleveland Browns. But Ed was more than just brawn; after hanging up his cleats, he returned to Oklahoma where he taught physical education at Ada High School. Ed had a passion for education. He then continued his studies in medical school at the Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. His intellect shone bright, much like his personality, leading him to a cherished career as a family physician.
Before he was Dr. Stewart, the healer, he was Ed, the physical education teacher at Ada High School. Here, he taught countless young minds the importance of a healthy lifestyle, all while probably scoring more touchdowns during faculty games than anyone else. Ed's love for football never waned, and you could often find him shouting at the TV during game days, analyzing plays with the precision of a seasoned coach.
Ed's love for sports was only matched by his love for the great outdoors. He was the kind of man who could out-fish any fisherman, with the patience of a saint and a tackle box that seemed more like a magician's hat. There was something about the tranquility of the water that resonated with his soul, a peaceful counterbalance to the roar of a football stadium.
Family was the cornerstone of Ed's life. During his internship at Hillcrest Hospital in Oklahoma City, he met the love of his life, Vicki. They married in 1979 and they shared a wonderful 41 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Dr. Linzi Stewart-Crawford, who, along with her husband Sean, blessed him with the joy of being a grandfather to Marli LaRue and Vale Ru. His son, Cole, continued the family legacy with Kaden Cole and Maci Rae.
Ed was a fun dad. Whether he was coaching Cole's T-ball team or saddling up the ponies for all the children to ride, he was present. He loved spending countless weekends at Cedar Blue fishing and taking all the kids tubing on Lake of the Arbuckles. He also had a love for horses. He loved breeding his own racehorses and watching them run at the racetrack. He made certain that he always provided green pastures for his horses to retire. He loved to teach his children about the races. He would take Linzi & Cole to Tully's Bakery late at night to grab the next day's race program. They would also get to grab a warm glazed donut. He taught them how to study the horses, the breeds, and how to place bets. He would also go cast their bets for them at the window. Ed also thought of the days of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes as they were cherished holidays in the Stewart household. He also had the honor of hooding his daughter at her medical school graduation.
Ed has been reunited with many family members in heaven. These include his parents, Ottis and Opal Stewart, Lester & Doyle Stewart (brothers), Vicki Stewart(ex-wife), and Shirley Stewart (sister-in-law)
Ed is survived by his daughter, Dr. Linzi Stewart-Crawford, her husband, Sean, and their children, Marli & Vale, Cole (son) and his children, Kaden & Maci, Tommy Joe (brother), Irene Jones (sister) and her husband, Tommy, Marcia Stewart (sister-in-law), & Carol Stewart (sister-in-law). Let's not forget many of some of his greatest cheerleaders and benchwarmers that are numerous nieces and nephews. Many of his nieces and nephews endured good-natured pestering during their younger years.
Ed's infectious laughter and larger-than-life personality made every family gathering an event to remember. He was the loving uncle who would entertain his nieces and nephews with tales of his gridiron glory days, always with a twinkle in his eye and never letting the truth get in the way of a good story.
As a man who could find humor in the mundane, Ed's approach to life was simple: live fully, love deeply, and laugh often. He was known for his quick wit and the ability to dissect a situation with the precision of a physician.
When the skies darkened and the winds picked up, Ed was in his element. Watching storms move in from the comfort of his porch was a pastime that brought him great joy. It was during these moments that one could see the reflection of his personality in the untamed beauty of nature-powerful, awe-inspiring, and always with an underlying warmth.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, intelligence, and an analytical mind that could solve any problem, whether it was diagnosing an illness or determining if that fish on the line was really "the big one" this time. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit remains an indelible part of the lives he touched.
Dr. Eddie Ray Stewart may have left the field, but his legacy remains as vibrant as a Friday Night Light. So, as we bid farewell to Ed, let's imagine him sitting on that great porch in the sky, watching the mother of all storms roll in, with a fishing rod in one hand and a football in the other, the eternal coach, physician, and lifetime learner all rolled into one. Here's to you, Dr. Eddie Ray; may your laughter continue to echo in our hearts.
His celebration of life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Crawford Funeral Services in Edmond, OK, with Bro. Jody Jones officiating, and under the direction of Crawford Funeral Services.