Gus Steward

Gus Steward, 81, of East Orchard Lane, Carlsbad, N.M., passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010, at his home. Visitation will be 2:00 PM -5:00 PM, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday, February 22, 2010, at Landmark Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis McKinley officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, N.M. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gus Steward was born December 13, 1928, in Madill, Okla., to Tom Ed and Clara Belle (Tutton) Steward. He attended school and graduated from Kingston, Okla. Gus enlisted in the US Army at age 17 and served in Alaska Luciah Islands and received the Victory Medal during WW II. Gus married Bessie Joe Hodges on April 23, 1952, in Lovington, N.M. Together they moved to Carlsbad in 1959 where he worked in the oil fields as a driller for 12 years and then went to work in the potash mines for 30 years. He retired in 1990. Gus was a faithful member of Landmark Baptist Church for 11 years. He and his wife served as youth directors for Bethel Baptist Church for many years. Gus was the owner of Orchard Lane Mobile Home Park and in later years he loved to spend time with his horses and cows on "Pa's farm." Gus's life revolved around his wife, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He touched a lot of people's hearts and every child he came in contact with knew him as "Pa". Gus will be remembered as a precious dad. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Steward and best friend/brother-in-law, Jimmy Smith. He is survived by his spouse, Bessie Joe Steward of Carlsbad, N.M.; daughter Donna Neatherlin and husband Bennie of Carlsbad, N.M.; eight grandchildren: Leanna Furlow and husband, Kade, Bobby Steward, Bucky Stevens, Chris Steward and wife Peggy, Jodi Gregory and husband Mark, Gina Sloan and husband Jay, Stacey Graves and husband Jeff and Kelly Steward Beekman; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Edna Smith of Hallsville, Texas, and special nephew, Jimmy Edward Smith, of Texas. Pallbearers will be Bill Gillock, Chris Christian, Johnny Harris, Britt McMillian, Mark Bartlett, Jackie Brown and John Wright. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Lakeview Christian Hospice for their love and care for our "Pa" and his family. Memorial contributions may be made to Landmark Baptist Youth Fund, c/o Landmark Baptist Church, 601 N. 8th Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.