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PETER STEWART Obituary
JOSEPH
STEWART
WINTER HAVEN - Col. Peter Joseph Stewart, declared missing in action from the Vietnam War in 1966, will be interred Monday, June 18, 2018 in Winter Haven, Fla. His remains along with his Saint Christopher medallion were recently recovered in Vietnam after 52 years of waiting.
They are being returned by the United States Air Force to his family, and to the country he loved and fought for.
Col. Stewart was 47 years old and serving as an Air Force fighter pilot, flying an F-4 phantom when his plane was shot down over North Vietnam on March 15, 1966, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Col. Stewart, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, came to the United States in 1923. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943, flying 70 combat missions in the Solomon Islands, and received an honorable discharge in 1945. In 1951 he was recalled to the Air Force for the Korean War and was assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. His last duty station was in Ubon, Thailand.
He was declared Killed In Action by the Carter Administration in 1980.
Col. Stewart is survived by his wife, Margaret 'Marnie' De-Haven Stewart, his children, Maggie (Phil Greenhill), Jim (Shan-on), Kandi, Beth, Bill (Sloan) and Susie, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Coincidentally, Col. Stewart would have been 100 years old this year, and his family is glad to be able to celebrate his life on such an occasion.
A visitation and rosary service will be held at 4 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven, Fla. 33880.
A funeral Mass with full military honors will be celebrated at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, Fla., 33880, the following Monday at 11 a.m. Mass and Honors is open to the public. He will be interred at the church's Columbarium in a private family service.
Flowers may be sent to Oak Ridge Funeral Care in the care of Marnie Stewart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PETER STEWART
The Rev. Dr. W R Abstein
April 21, 2025
I recently found the bracelet I wore with his name on it when he went missing. So glad his remains were found and honorably buried.
1SG TERRY SMART USARMY (RET.)
July 23, 2018
To COL. Peter Stewart family and sincere friends Our Father Machinist Mate Grover J. Smart USNAVY(deceased)served on the DE USS HISSEM was in Pearl Harbor, Midway, Normandy He received Three Bronze Stars and numerous other ribbons and medals his life was never the same again On behalf of our Father a distinguished USNAVY VETERAN of Three WARS Our entire family sends there sincerest condolences his ship is cruising the heavens with (COL Peter Stewart FLYING ESCOPRT in flight) may GODS speed be with them and all our military soldiers that gave so much an sacrificed all.
Case Synopsis: Stewart, Peter Joseph
Gunther Bahlaj
July 1, 2018
Dear Mrs. Stewart,
Please accept my Sincere Condolences to you and the entire Family. At long last, the recent discovery/recovery of Colonel Stewart's remains, along with his St. Christopher medal, hopefully provides for, though bittersweet to be sure, a sense of closure and peace that many Gold Star Families, unfortunately, do wait years to experience. As we do not know each other, my comment in this regard comes from a point of view of having spoken to and played a small role in the ceremonial Honoring of my own unit's GS Families, those whom we've fortunately been able to contact and come to know.
Over the years, I've periodically searched for information on any formal resolution to your husband's MIA status and, to my own bittersweet discovery this very morning, (I was going thru my album of pictures and documents, when again I ran across the Colonel's Case Synopsis and thought I needed to try again) I found this recent online obituary/funeral site.
I can no longer remember exactly when I started wearing your husband's MIA bracelet, but a flawed memory tells me that I must have had it since the 1970's. For a period of time, during which I had a desk job (around 8 years from 1982 forward), I kept the Case Synopsis sheet, now yellowed with time, pinned on the wall behind me, in Honor of your Husband's sacrifice and Service to Country. Some of my customers asked me about that printed information, or commented on the bracelet (they also having worn similar bracelets), making for a number of somber conversations not at all related to product sales of any kind.
No matter when or where, the Colonel was always there, on that document, on my right wrist, on my mind and/or my heart.
There is one question I do have about your husband's bracelet, since it seems to be a rather common practice, even tradition of sorts, to offer it up to the family when it becomes known that recovery has occurred and subsequent contact can be made with surviving family. I would forever be Honored to continue wearing Col. Stewart's MIA bracelet, but would be equally so Honored to offer it to you. Please consider this and let me know how you feel about this, when the time is right for you, using my provided contact information. I would be pleased with whatever you decide, in this regard.
Your Family's Loss and Sacrifice can never be repaid, not even by our, a Most Grateful, Nation. Though, surely you must already know that this Sacrifice is Profoundly and Deeply Appreciated.
RIP Colonel Stewart. Welcome Home Brother. Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice, God Bless your Family and may God Bless America.
Gunther Bahlaj
4th platoon medic
Delta Company, under command of Captain James F. Dabney, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade ("Redcatchers")
1-68 to 8-68
June 19, 2018
At long last, home from a foreign field. We give honor eternally to Col. Stewart, and salute & embrace the Stewart family. the Paradine Family
TERRY SMART 1SG (RET.) USARMY VIETNAM / DFESERT STORM VETERAN
June 19, 2018
To COL Stewarts family my 2nd cousin ( LTC Curtis Smart USAF deceased ) was in the 8th USAF in Korea with COL Stewart they are now soring the heavens again our prayers go out to all the family and may Gods speed be with COL Stewart and all our Honorable soldiers that sacrificed all
TERRY SMART 1SG (RET.) USARMY VIETNAM / DESERT STORM VETERAN
June 19, 2018
To COL Stewarts family my 1st cousin General (4-star Jacob Smart Deceased) was in the 8TH USAF in Korea with COL Stewart they are soring again our prayers to you all and Gods speed be with COL. Stewart and all our brave soldiers that gave all!
June 18, 2018
Beth, Candi, Mrs. Stewart and family - what a wonderful blessing after M all these years to bring Col. Stewart home. My thoughts and prayers to you all. Sharon McGee Milligan.
Dot McCroan
June 18, 2018
Beth and Stewart family, I remember you leaving Holland & Knight to continue your search for your father. I was so happy to hear that he was found. I know your family is at peace that your beloved father returned home. Prayers and love.
Rose Backus
June 18, 2018
May God be with the family of Col Stewart.
Col., Welcome home. Rest In Peace.
Thank you for serving our country.
Lorraine (Lori) Bloeth-Valerino
June 18, 2018
Beautiful Mass. Prayers continue for this wonderful family who kept the faith for more than a half century. May God grant Col. Stewart eternal peace. Thank you for your service. Glad you are finally home with your family.
Tammy Lambert
June 17, 2018
Candi and Family,
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
June 17, 2018
Your in our prayers.
Love, The Cooney's
Jack Connor
June 17, 2018
My Dad, Hal Connor, was a friend of Pete's in Winter Haven.He spoke of him often. I was a Marine in VN and patrolled all through the area many times. I always felt close to Pete when out in the bush. God bless you sir. Have a beer with Dad for me.
Pat Burrell
June 17, 2018
Beth, I am so happy for you. All your efforts did not go to waste. God bless you and your entire family. Our favorite judge was greeted by the Col. I am sure.
Joanne Morrison
June 16, 2018
Jim and the Stewart family,
May the peace of the Lord be with the Stewart family and that Col. Peter Stewart, USAF, will finally rest in peace.
God Belss You,
Joanne and Doug Morrison
Edith Tarrant
June 16, 2018
Welcome home, thanks for your service.
TERRY SMART 1SG (RET.) USARMY VIETNAM / DESERT STORM VETERAN
June 16, 2018
Col Peter Stewart (USAF) forever your soul and hart is with your family, friends and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN and the Democracy for which we stand. You have joined the ranks of all others that have sacrificed so much you will soar forever on your new wings may GODS speed be with you.
Ed Cauley
June 15, 2018
Welcome home Colonel. May your body rest in peace and your spirit be amongst the angels. Sir, I salute your brave service to our country!
June 15, 2018
We are beyond appreciative and thankful for your service and sacrifice.
Welcome Home.
The Anthony Family
David Capozzi
June 15, 2018
Beth and family:
We hope your memories will help comfort you today and always. And to Col. Stewart -- we thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice to our country.
Your friends at the U.S. Access Board
June 15, 2018
At ease, Soldier... Welcome home...
June 15, 2018
Welcome Home Sir. It was my privilege to assist your family.
William R. Kirsop
MSGT (Ret}, USAF
Bobby g gregory
June 15, 2018
Bill,Sloan, and all The Stewarts. It's been a long,emotional,journey.We can never repay the sacrifices made by your family in the name of freedom.When I heard the news,it brought joy to my heart and a tear to my eye. Many Thanks to Col Stewart for his service. Hoping you all find peace in his return.
Pamela Owens
June 15, 2018
Finally home... With heartfelt condolences to the Stewart family during this time. I that you find some comfort and peace knowing your husband, father, and grandfather is back home. I God's blessings upon you all now, and more importantly in the days ahead.
Kelly Philbrick
June 15, 2018
From my family to you and your family, Thank You for your service and the ultimate sacrifice for our beloved Nation. God bless you and comfort your family and friends. Rest easy Sir
With much respect, Kelly Philbrick & family
June 14, 2018
Welcome home Colonel Stewart.
Chris Hellgren
June 14, 2018
Welcome Home, Sir
4th TFW, Seymour Johnson AFB
Ubon, Thailand 1972-1973
Darrell Robertson
June 14, 2018
Welcome home Colonel Stewart.Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice and may God Bless and Comfort your family.
Jo High
June 14, 2018
Thank you for your service.
Meriwether Steed
June 14, 2018
Thank You for your Service.
June 14, 2018
Another example of one who wrote a blank check to the United States.
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