Cover photo for Capt. Raleigh Stewart Usaf (Ret)'s Obituary
1932 Capt. 2021

Capt. Raleigh Stewart Usaf (Ret)

September 18, 1932 — November 1, 2021

Capt Raleigh (Dean) Stewart USAF (Ret), 89, of Abilene, TX passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021 in Abilene.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 9:30 AM at Baker Heights Church of Christ, 5382 Texas Avenue, Abilene, TX 79605. Interment will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road Abilene, TX. Services are under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home.

Dean was born on September 18, 1932 in Duncan, AZ to the late Robert Wiley Stewart and Mary Belle Elgin Stewart. He married the love of his life, Nelda Reid on August 2, 1953. They began their adventure that would lead them to serve God and country all over the world. He obeyed the call and was baptized in 1954. Dean enlisted in U.S. Air Force and began his military career working as a pharmacy tech. Once he graduated Officer Candidate School, he became a navigator on air transports. He served all over the world including Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Dean was manager of Artesia Municipal airport in Artesia, New Mexico where he also taught many people how to fly. No matter where he and Nelda were in the world, they would seek out a church, and he begin doing whatever was needed, including preaching, and evangelizing. Dean served as a minister for Grape Street Church of Christ and as an evangelist at Baker Heights Church of Christ. He touched many lives in his 35 plus years in the ministry and preaching the gospel. Dean will be dearly missed and leaves behind a legacy of love and service.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Nelda Stewart; children, Paul Stewart, Christina Washington and husband Bobby, Michelle (Shelly) Phillips and husband Shaun; grandchildren, LaQuita Miko, Richard Stewart, Kelly Stewart, Landen Holley, Tyler Holley, Taylor Washington, Derek Washington, Alex Vance, Troy Dent, Malyah Phillips; great grandchildren, Shaylee, Matthew, Darson, Arya, Emma, Chloe, Liam, Alyssa, Jenna, Brielle, Klaryse, Jayvien, Elliana; brother, Dick Stewart and wife Karen; nephew, Bob Stewart; niece, Cammie Morton; numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Dean was also preceded in death by 1 brother and 2 sisters.

In lieu of flowers to the family of Capt. Raleigh (Dean) Stewart USAF (Ret), please contribute to World Bible School Inc. P.O. Box 2169 Cedar Park TX 78630-9964
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Capt. Raleigh Stewart Usaf (Ret), please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, November 12, 2021

Starts at 9:30 am (Central time)

Baker Heights Church Of Christ

5382 Texas Ave, Abilene, TX 79605

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