William Patrick Stewart

William Patrick Stewart, Jr, 99, passed away on July 23, 2020 at St Francis Hospital in Monroe, La. Mr. Stewart was born on September 22, 1920 at Camp Pike, Arkansas to William Patrick Stewart Sr and Georgia W. Stewart.

Bill grew up during the depression living with his parents and grandparents in the same house in Monroe. He graduated from Ouachita Parish High School.

Except for his military service and college days he was a lifelong resident of Monroe, La.

Bill enlisted in the US Army Air Force. He earned his wings as a bombardier and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. During World War II Bill Stewart served as a bombing and navigation Instructor then as a Personnel Officer in the US. He was shipped to the Philippines at the end of the war to serve as an instructor. After the war, First Lieutenant Stewart was discharged to the Air Force Reserves.

Bill Stewart met his future wife, Dorothy E. Halverson, while he was in radio operator training. They were married in 1945 at Selman Field in Monroe. They enjoyed a long and loving marriage until Dorothy passed away in 2004.

After the war, Bill and Dorothy moved to Baton Rouge where he enrolled at Louisiana State University. He and earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1951 with the help of the GI bill and Dorothy’s support. After graduation, Bill and Dorothy returned to Monroe where they raised a family of three children. Bill worked as a civil engineer for various companies until he retired.

Bill and Dorothy were charter members of the Southside Methodist Church (later Lea Joyner Memorial United Methodist Church) in Monroe. He was active in various committees and mentored many youth as well as teaching youth and adult Sunday School classes until very recently.

After retirement Bill and Dorothy enjoyed life in Monroe. Bill fished and was a member of the Monroe Lions Club. They traveled often to Texas to see family.

Bill was pre-deceased by his wife Dorothy H. Stewart, parents William P. Stewart Sr and Georgia W. Stewart and his brother Donald G. Stewart. He is survived by his sister, Georgia Gritzmacher and sister-in-law Juanita Stewart. His children are David Stewart (wife Karen) of Dallas Texas, Carol Stewart of Monroe, and Lynn Stewart of Magnolia Texas. He has four grandchildren, Dr Robert Stewart (wife Lauren Stewart), Ashley Harrell, Will Stewart and Ele Stewart. His great grandchildren are Graham Stewart, Nora Stewart, and Owen Harrell. His nephews and nieces are Tom Gritzmacher, Mary Ann Gritzmacher (deceased), Ken Gritzmacher (deceased), Terry Stewart and Tracy Stewart.

The family would like to thank Dr. D. Patel and Dr M. S. Khalil along with the staff at St Francis Hospital for the care they have provided during Bill’s illness. We want to especially thank Merridth Middleton for the excellent care and kindness that she provided Bill.

The family also thank the staff and congregation of Lea Joyner UMC for their love and support.

Carol Stewart has provided continuous care,support and love for Bill for the last several years. Lynn and David want to especially thank her for this unselfish sacrifice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial be sent to the Lea Joyner Memorial United Methodist Church.



Graveside service for William Patrick Stewart, Jr. will be 9:30 AM Monday, July 27, 2020 at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. A Memorial Service to follow at 10:30 AM at Lea Joyner United Methodist Church with Rev. Ben McGehee and Rev. Betty Swanson officiating. Under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe.