Angels Camp, CA…On September 22, 2018 our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Mervin “Bud” L. Stewart peacefully passed away with his family around him in Springfield, Oregon. He was born on July 8, 1933 to Mervin and Irma Stewart Sr. in Santa Cruz, California. In 1951, he joined the Air Force and was assigned to the 320th Bombardment Wing Squadron, Strategic Air Command at March Air Force Base California, after his training as a B-29 Stratofortress & B-47 Stratojet Flexible Aerial Turret Gunner at Lowry AFB, Colorado. He later obtained high security clearances for his involvement with the Nike Missile Defense mission. In December of 1953 the 320th deployed as a wing to Royal Air Force Brize Norton, England. Our Father was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the National Defense Service Medal.

On January 15, 1966 he married Elizabeth “Betsy” May Stewart. While working for the U.S. Postal Service, they welcomed three children: Julie Ann, Jean Marie, and Jonathan Charles. Jonathan precedes him in death at the age of 16 years. In 1974, Bud and Betsy purchased a small ranch off Poole Station Road in Angels Camp, California. They lived there and raised their children until 1994, when they relocated to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. In addition to his wife and two daughters, he is survived by his sister Marsha York of Pittsburg, California. His younger brother Norman W. Stewart preceded him in 2007. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Bud loved his family and friends dearly. He enjoyed staying active in his church, garden, and more recently his daughter’s garden pruning fruit trees and “puttering” around on projects. His laugh, faith, humor, dedication and willingness to help anyone will always be missed. Don’t take any wooden nickels Dad!

A private family Military graveside service is planned at the Roseburg National Cemetery.