Homer “Stretch” Stewart went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2012. He was born on Apr 16, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Homer and Sophia Stewart. At age 18 Stretch enlisted in the United States Navy, served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and earned the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained in combat. Many men died the day Stretch’s ship was attacked by a Kamikaze plane, but through God’s grace he survived.
After the war, Stretch enrolled at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. He would later obtain master’s and Ed.S degrees. While at Western State, Stretch met the love of his life, Betty Lee, to whom he was married for 52 years before her passing in 2001.
Stretch and Betty made their home in Colorado where Stretch taught in elementary education, mostly in District 12, for over 30 years. Stretch also served on the Security Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. Stretch’s other volunteer activities included holding leadership positions in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International and The Military Order of the Purple Heart. His hobbies included hunting, bowling, and playing cribbage with his friends.
Stretch’s family was always amazed that no matter where in the world he would travel, he would run into someone he had touched through his teaching. He had many friends that will miss him dearly.
Stretch Stewart is survived by his daughters: Pamela Stewart of Colorado Springs; and Sharon Gempler of Cotopaxi; granddaughter: Christie Ross of Pleasanton, California; grandson: Keith Gempler; and great grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Kyle Gempler of Litchfield Park, AZ.
A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 1201 Leta Drive, Security, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Military Order of the Purple Heart, 2 Carson Circle, Fountain, CO 80817.