David Alan Stewart, age 56, passed away on July 7, 2023.
David will be remembered as selfless, devoted, and heroic; a man who lived to serve his family and community. Call it a love language, an innate longing to do the right thing, or a calling from the Lord; David dedicated his life to helping others, always putting himself last. The act of giving was never an obligation or a chore, it was inherently David at his core. He exemplified love, and his spirit will continue to live on through the many people he impacted.
David was born on November 25, 1966 in Redlands, CA to Forrest and Anita Stewart. The family moved to Amarillo, TX in 1968 where David attended Belmar Elementary, Crockett Junior High, and Amarillo High School.
David met Janice while attending Amarillo High. David and his wife, Janice, had many mutual friends throughout high school but didn’t begin dating until fall of their freshman year of college. They married a year and a half later. Over their 36 years of marriage, David and Janice raised three children, Tyler, Hadley and Lance. David’s family and their happiness was his priority.
While David didn’t enjoy academics, he knew the importance of providing a good example for his children. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from WTAMU in 2005 all while working two jobs, training for a marathon, and still making sure he was at every one of his children’s events. He was immensely proud to serve as Senior Captain in the Pantex Fire Department.
His final act of service was the gift of life to others through LifeGift organ donation.
David had a strong, quiet faith in the Lord and attended Hillside Christian Church. He had many hobbies including camping, cooking out, fishing, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, and simply being with those he loved.
No matter the occasion, David was known for making others smile and feel at home. He had a zest for life that was equally contagious and inspiring. He strived to live to the absolute fullest and never took a single moment for granted. Even facing a challenging medical diagnosis, David’s outlook remained positive. He told his family and friends, “When you realize all we are promised is today, you need to make the most of it. So, we have decided that we will be dancing in our kitchen, hotel, hospital room, or RV every night thanking our God for the day and asking for just one more. And That’s A Good Thing! I have found a renewed strength for love, life, and my God. And that is also a very Good Thing! GGT (God’s Got This).”
David is survived by his loving wife, Janice, their children Tyler (Kate), Hadley (Travis), Lance; mother Anita; brother Gary Stewart, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, Forrest, and his sister, Trissa Brown.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 14th at Hillside Christian Church, Amarillo West Campus Chapel, 6100 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX, 79119.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to the American Brain Tumor Association or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago, IL 60631
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ,4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N Bethesda, MD 20814
Janice, I am so sorry for your loss of David. I will always remember the summer our son, Jerry Lee, worked for him. He taught Jerry a lot about yard work, and instilled in him the love of keeping a neat and tidy yard. Even though David suffered a lot over the last few years, it gave you time to treasure every day together. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to this new phase of life.
Love, Janie Klein
Please know that ya’ll are in our thoughts & prayers. We love you Dick & Jane.
Sympathy to you Janice, and all your dear family in the loss of David. Will be thinking of you as you adjust to a new life without him. I have many of good memories of your young life, and then Rita would tell me about recent years. Much love to all, Lynn Duncan
Please accept our sincere condolences. Many prayers coming your way.
Rick and Denise Matchett
David and I were best friends growing up from middle school through high school. Neither time nor distance kept me from trying to follow how he and his family were doing on my occasional Facebook stalks. David taught me numerous life lessons in the short time we were friends through our school years. Regrets in my life are many but not staying in touch with David and Janice ranks among the worst. Till we meet my friend!!
A GREAT man. God got an upgrade with this one. Let’s us know Janice if we can help in anyway. Keep in touch.
Danny & Melanie Novak
We met David when he mowed our lawn on Sunlite St. way back in the 90’s. He was always cheerful, dependable, and sweet. We saw him through the years as he went on to the Pantex fire department. We are so sad to read of his passing. This world has lost a good man, firefighter, father, and husband.
Rick and Janie Thamer
Janice,
I’m so sorry. I always thought David was such a great guy and y’all the perfect couple! Prayers for you, your kids and family.
Becky Persall Sanders
Janice, Tyler, Hadley, Lance, Anita, and Gary you all know how special David was to me, as are you all. My heart breaks for all of you, but I feel so blessed to have had David and you in my life. I will forever miss him, his humor, his love and his smile. I’m just sorry we never got the chance to have our rocking chairs on the porch. Sending love and hugs to you❤️❤️
David was an amazing man and co-worker. I feel blessed to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire family (blood, marriage, work, and chosen).