Wilson E (Stew) Stewart passed away at his residence in Wheat Ridge, CO on March 20, 2014, in the presence of his loving family under hospice care. Stew was born in Alamosa, CO to Merlin F. Stewart and Dorthy Schmittel Stewart Martin on September 6, 1933. His early childhood years were spent in Center, CO. Through Stew's high school years, he was active in all sports. He made the winning basket during the district basketball tournament to help the Vikings advance to win the state championship in 1951. He graduated from Center High School in 1951. Stew married Beverley Mann Stewart in September of 1955. To this union they were blessed with 3 children. Terri Vakoff, Mike Stewart, and Deb Stewart. Stew also has 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Leeah Schmidt Lechuga joined the Stewart family in her sophomore year of high school. The love for his family was immeasurable and surpassed all other things of this world. He was known for his compassion and care for all. Stew's love for basketball continued through the rest of his life, as he coached and influenced so many young athletes. Stew's coaching career included positions in Del Norte, Center, Sargent and Adams State College. Many of those years included playoff games and appearances at the state tournament. Stew's coaching always focused on the attitude and participation of the players rather than always winning. Along with his coaching he was also a teacher. He received his Bachelors of Education from Adams State College. Stew taught various subjects including art and p.e., as well as serving as athletic director. He retired from education in 1995. In addition to his love for basketball and teaching, Stew loved to be outdoors. He loved to fish and always kept the most beautiful yard and garden.
He is survived by his wife Beverley, his children Terri (Mike) Vakoff of Lakewood, CO; Mike (Jolynn) Stewart of Colorado Springs, CO and Deb Stewart of Wheat Ridge, CO. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Chad (Lisa) Stewart, son of Terri, Trevor Stewart and Mikka (Nate) Schler, son and daughter of Mike, and Nici (Kelly) Garcia and Kami Barnett, daughters of Deb. He was also blessed with and survived by 4 great grandchildren: Kaden and Kollin Stewart and Kannon and Allyson Garcia.
Also survived by siblings Glenn (Joann) Stewart of Center, CO and Linda (Bob) Leck of Canon City, CO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Stew is proceeded in death by his father Merlin Stewart, mother Dorthy Schmittel Stewart Martin, brother Kent Stewart and infant great-grandson James Michael Stewart.
The viewing will be held on Friday, March 28 at Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista, CO from 2-6pm. Graveside service for Stew will be at the Del Norte Cemetery at 11am on March 29, followed by an "athletic banquet" reception at the Del Norte Middle School gym in his honor, where memories of Stew will be encouraged to be shared by everyone. The family welcomes all who would like to attend. Casual attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Suncrest Hospice, who gave incredible care to Stew in his last days, at 777 E Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80203.

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