Obituary: Stewart, Pastor Walter E.
He was born March 30, 1917, the fifth child of his late parents, Jessie and George Stewart in Detroit, MI.
After graduating high school in 1936 he attended Fort Wayne Bible Institute in Fort Wayne, IN where he met his future wife Laura Versfelt.
Married on Long Island in 1941 Walter remained a loving and devoted husband for 71 years of marriage.
With the outbreak of WWII, Walter answered the call of duty and served with the Navy Sea Bees in the South Pacific from 1943-1945.
Upon his return home he attended Gordon College in Boston, MA successfully completing the requirements for a degree in theology in 1948.
Following graduation from college, he moved to the west coast and began a life long ministry of serving God as pastor in several congregations.
With his wife Laura at his side, he served and ministered to congregations in Mabton, WA, Portland,OR, Rockaway, OR, and Kelso, WA.
Upon retirement as Associate Pastor of Cedar Mill Bible Church in Portland in 1982, Walter was commissioned as a chaplain in Nursing Home Ministries where he continued to minister to the elderly and their families.
Upon his passing, he was the oldest active chaplain in the association.
A pastor at heart, his love of God and service to others characterized his life.
Whether conducting the choir, leading a Bible study or driving the Sunday School bus, Walter was actively engaged in every aspect of a church’s life, but nothing took precedence over leading others to an understanding of the gospel and the presence of God in their lives.
He will be remembered for his warm and gentle smile, positive attitude and unwavering devotion to his family.
Many of his favorite times, were spent with family and friends fishing and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest and Montana.
He would proudly tell you in fact, that the biggest trout of his life was caught when he was 94 years old!
Those left to cherish and celebrate his life are his beloved wife of 71 years Laura, his daughters Roberta “RJ” Stewart of Jacksonville, IL and Laurie S. Stewart of Spokane Valley.
His family and friends will celebrate his life in a memorial service at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 13, 2013, in the chapel at Evergreen Fountains, 1201 N. Evergreen, Spokane Valley.
Interment was held Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Nursing Home Ministries.
Community Cremation and Funeral Spokane Valley 13127 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 509-926-2020 www.CommunityCremationandFuneral.com