Obituary: Willis O. "Jack" Steward

Mr. Steward

Originally Published: November 3, 2008 11:22 p.m.

Willis O. "Jack" Steward passed away with his wife by his side on Oct. 29, 2008.

Jack was known in Prescott as founder of Steward's Family Shoe Store with his wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Comstock Steward. Jack and Betty moved to Prescott in 1954. They established Steward's Shoes in 1961 and ran their store for over 40 years before retiring.

Jack was born in Kibby, Okla. to Franklin and LaVella Steward on Aug. 9, 1924. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and two brothers. He attended Buffalo High School and then joined the U.S. Navy, serving in WWII. During this time he was introduced to Betty. They married on Oct. 20, 1946.

Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Jean; his daughter, Catherine A. Kelly; sons John Steward, Mike and Judy Steward, Bob and Sandy Steward. In addition he is survived by 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Carrie, Ty, Erin and Mick Kelly; Trevor, Kimberly, Brad and Amanda Steward; Ann, Geoffrey, Michael and Stefanie Steward; Cody, and Karlee Steward, Jenna, Darren and Haley Weis, Kristin, Ryan, Ben and Nicholas Farrar. He is also survived by Kay Steward and the Glau family.

Jack was known to his grandchildren as PopPop, the avid horseman and grandpa that always made sure your shoes fit. Prescottonians might remember him best for receiving multiple Businessman of the Year awards as well as the town Red Wing Boot Distributor.

He was involved and active in many local organizations such as Prescott Sunrise Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Smoki, Knights of Columbus, PHS Badger Booster, Prescott Downtown Partnership and Fraternal Order of Elks.

Jack will most be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and PopPop, a wonderful grandpa.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 with a 7 p.m. Rosary at Hampton's Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at Sacred Heart Church, Interment immediately following at Mt. View Cemetery.

Services were entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home.

Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Jack's guestbook.

Information provided by survivors.