Charles C. Stewart

Charles C. Stewart was a quiet, unassuming man, observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

His parents were William and Gladys Stewart. Charles was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life.

Growing up in the Stewart household was a bit different than most homes. It was a hard-scrabble life, made even harder by the loss of his mother at a young age. He and his four siblings; Betty, Russell, Sybil, and David were taken in by his grandmother, who was determined the five would not be split up. Charles attended Piedmont High School, but when he became seventeen, Charles joined the Navy to see the world and do his part in World War II. His principal made sure that even though Charles left school early that he got his diploma in 1947.

Due to the fact that he had perfect pitch he became a Sonar Man or "Ping Jockey". On board the USS Waldron (DD699), Charles also found other extra duties to pass time and make a little extra pay. He served as ship mail man and when there were movies on ship, he was the projectionist. Charles continued to receive the Waldron newsletter The Half Moon until his death, and attended reunions for many years.

After the war, he became a Sonar Instructor in Key West, Florida.

While in Key West, he met Myra Hendrix, who he proclaimed to a friend, he was going to marry. On September 30, 1949 his proclamation came true as he and Myra became man and wife. A son, Charles Jr. was

born two years later on May 10, 1951. A second son, Phillip Allen,

was born on December 7, 1953.

In 1957, Charles was offered a commission, so he attended Officer's Candidate School (OCS), and reported onto the USS Ault, as an Ensign. Professionally, things went well for the Stewart family, but tragically, Charles Jr. was diagnosed with congenital heart defects that required open heart surgery. On June 26, 1963, he passed away. The family was devastated but life continued.

Charles continued with his career, becoming Executive Officer of the USS Terrebonne Parish (LST 1156) then taking command of USS Pulaski County (LST 1088) . Next he spent a time in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the Embassy Military Group. He then became Executive Officer of the USS Comstock (LSD 19) taking command when the ship was decommissioned. Charles finished his Naval career at the Naval Training Equipment Center in Orlando Florida, retiring on March 1, 1973, after thirty years of service, having attained the rank of Lieutenent Commander (LCDR).

Charles took this opportunity to continue his education at Valencia Community College, and when he and Myra returned to San Diego, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences in Business Administration (Accounting) from San Diego State University in 1978.

The next several years were spent in relative bliss with Myra in sunny San Diego, playing golf and gardening his small plot of land,

until, in 2006, Myra passed away. Missing Myra, Charles began to

show signs of dementia in 2010. He continued living in his home, with his son, Phillip, until September of 2012 when he entered Friendship Manor where he stayed until Sunday, October 7, 2012 when Chartles was rushed to the hospital with signs of pneumonia.

Charles C. Stewart passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, California. Pneumonia. He is survived by his son Phillip ,his brother David and sister Betty.

Services were held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey. Charles was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Charles C. Stewart. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was both practical and trustworthy. He was committed to the traditional values that he upheld his entire life. He committed himself to being a hard worker who expected the same effort in return from those around him. Most of all, he was committed to those he knew and loved. He will be missed by all the dear friends he made in this life and by the family who loved him.