Jeffrey Wayne “Jude” Stewart, lifelong resident of Ponca City passed away August 17th at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK.

Jeff was born January 14, 1953 in Ponca City to Jesse Stewart and Ida Mary (Hardy) Stewart. He was raised at the family home on Kingston Road, attended Woodlands Elementary, graduated from Ponca City High School in 1971 and went to NOC for a short time. After finishing school, he had many various jobs. He worked on a road crew for Evans and Throop, spent months doing wheat harvest, worked at a liquor warehouse, then at Titus Manufacturing. He worked at Conoco Refinery until they went on strike, then went to New Mexico where he worked for an iron and metal business and returned when Conoco resumed business. He and Cheryl Hibbs were married August 17, 1973 in the front yard of his grandparent’s country home in Kildare, OK. He and Cheryl and their two sons resided on South Eighth Street, Ponca City for over 30 years. Jeff loved riding his bicycle and rode it to work and back no matter the weather. Jeff belonged to USW Local Union 13-857 and was a great supporter of the Union.

Jeff and Cheryl moved to the Kildare Homestead in 2003. Jeff was passionate about camping and canoeing with his family which was instilled in him from childhood by his maternal grandparents. He especially loved white water canoeing and carried on this tradition with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family made many trips across the US to the mountains, rivers and national park lands which were his particular favorites. He and his brothers entered many canoe races together and came in first most of the time. He was an avid gardener and worked very hard to raise fruit, vegetables and wildflowers to share with his family and friends. Jeff was a kind and thoughtful man. He brought Cheryl fresh flowers weekly throughout their marriage. He was very proud of his sons, Derek and Ryan. He spent lots of time doing things for them from their childhood and throughout their lives. Jeff retired from Conoco in 2015. He enjoyed retirement and continued to work on projects around the home.

His family includes Cheryl of the home, sons Derek Stewart of Ponca City, Ryan Stewart and wife Lisa of Ponca City. Seven grandchildren, Kelsey Stewart and boyfriend Jake of Norman, OK. Eric and Nicholas Stewart, their mother Debbie. Asher Stewart, Ivey Mae Stewart and their mother Kerry. Brendyn and Kamryn Burns, all of Ponca City. Brothers Marshall Stewart and Carol of Tulsa, OK. David Stewart and wife Betsy, Phillip Stewart and wife Sharon, Sister-in-law Kelli Stewart, brother-in-law Frank Hibbs Jr., sisters-in-law Anita Archer and Lillian Lewis, all of Ponca City, OK.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Ida Mary Stewart, his grandparents Milas and Gailys Stewart, Phil and Ivy Hardy, two brothers Kenneth Lee Stewart and infant brother John William Stewart. Jeff will be remembered with love for his kindness, thoughtfulness and wit. Services will be held Wednesday, August 26th, 2:00 at First Baptist Church 218 South 6th Street, Ponca City, OK. Memorial contributions can be made to American Rivers.org or the Sierra Club. Remembrances may be shared online at www. stittsworthfuneralservices.com

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