Tom Steward

Thomas Lloyd Steward was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on August 10, 1930 to Jay Steward and Rose Marie (Bergmeier) Steward. He was number 4 in his family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Jay Junior 1925-2012, Robert Lee (Bob) 1926-2009, Harold E 1928-2014, Thomas Lloyd 1930-2019, Marion Wayne (Rouse) 1932-2011, Maxine 1934-1998 and only surviving sibling Margaret Rose (Margi) 1946. Tom grew up in a house on Railroad Street, with a dozen train tracks right outside the front door and across the street. His father Jay grew a massive garden that nearly engulfed the entire backyard. It provided fruits and vegetables for the family and many of the neighbors to whom he gladly gave any surplus the family did not need. They used "Locally Sourced" food before it was cool. The house was heated by a coal stove, water was hand pumped from a well just outside the back door, and the necessary room consisted of an outhouse located some 200 feet to the back of the property, making a trip to the toilet brutal on those cold Iowa nights. He graduated from Ottumwa High School and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Elaine Jones, on June 12, 1949. They were married for 69 years and had 3 children. Douglas Wayne 1953, Janis Elaine 1956, and Kenneth Bradley 1962. Doug now lives in Ft Worth, TX with his wife Tigi, Jan lives in Fernandina Beach, Fl with her husband Bob, and Ken lives in Tulsa. Tom passed away on January 25, 2019. He was a wonderful man with a giving heart. He always put others before himself. He would do most anything for you and offer most anything he had. With the exception of his ice cream or dessert. And he would offer that too, but maybe a little reluctantly. He never said he had a bad dessert. Tom is survived by his wife Marilyn, Children Doug and wife Tigi, Jan and husband Bob, and Ken, Grandchildren Chris and wife Susan, Brandon and wife Megan, Andrea and husband Justin, and his sister Margaret Rose. One of his obsessions in life was to play and hopefully win the lottery. Not to win and be rich someday but Tom's dream was to win so that he could give it all to his family. Which was the part of his obsession that we, his family, completely supported! It never came to pass but once again was a testament as to his good heart. Tom played tackle for his high school football team and won all-state in 1947 and is still in the state record books today. He received 26 scholarships when he graduated and chose Georgetown University. He got homesick after only a few weeks and returned to Ottumwa to marry Marilyn. Tom's career began right after returning from Georgetown. He started working at the local Sutherland Lumber yard in Ottumwa. In December of 1951 he joined the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict and served 2 years with the Marines in Santa Anna, Calif. He played football for the Marines while he was in the service. Doug was born on a naval base in California while Tom was stationed there. After returning home he went back to work for Sutherland's and made it a 47 yr career. He worked his way up from loading customers, to manager, and eventually buyer. He moved with the company as he advanced to Omaha, NE where Jan was born, Wichita, KS where Ken was born, Oklahoma City, OK and ultimately retiring in Tulsa, OK. We worried about his retirement because he really had no hobbies but he managed to enjoy 23 yrs in retirement. Early in retirement you might see him playing a little golf but as that became harder to do he walked at the mall with friends, enjoyed running errands while he could still drive, caring for his yard, feeding the birds and the squirrels, growing a few tomatoes in his garden, and systematically cutting down nearly every tree on his property. He had a thing against trees. He also occasionally weed whacked some of Mom's flowers which he explained to her by telling her the dog dug them up. He enjoyed watching college football and was a big OU fan. He was also a fan of the University of Florida Gators where his grandsons graduated. He always carried two handkerchiefs with him. He would say "one to show and one to blow". We made sure he had these with him along with a few toothpicks and some hard candy in his pockets when he was laid to rest. Tom was our father. He was a great Dad. He never shrugged at taking us to scouts, camping, dance lessons, band practice, and ball games. He would even help Ken with his paper route at 3am and then take him to breakfast. He taught us by example and was an unbelievable role model. You never met a more honest man. There are numerous examples of him driving back to a store or restaurant to pay for something they failed to ring up. He was also Mom's devoted husband. He loved her, looked after her and cared for her. They have had a great life together. He was a proud Grandfather, a faithful Son, and a good Brother. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Clarehouse of Tulsa, Ok. 7617 S Mingo Road Tulsa, Ok 76133 918-893-6150 Public Viewing will be 10AM-8PM, Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Private Family Service. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Tom Steward

August 10, 1930 - January 25, 2019