Ross Roscoe Stuard Jr.

1927 – 2017

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Ross R. Stuard, Jr., 89, went to live with his heavenly father on March 18, 2017.

Ross was born on May 25, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas to Ross R. and Mittie Jane Stuard and raised on a farm near Mansfield, Texas. In 1945, when he was a freshman at North Texas Agriculture College in Arlington, Texas, he met 17-year-old Johnece Elliott on a blind date. That was the start of a 69-year-long love affair.

Ross joined the US Navy after graduating from high school. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Altamaha. After discharged from military service, he returned home and married Johnece. They had two children, Teresa and Robert.

As did many members of the Greatest Generation, Ross used the GI Bill to further his education by attending Texas Tech University. After graduating with a degree in Ag Education, he taught high school agriculture in Lazbuddie and Olgesby, Texas. He left public education in the early 1950s to pursue a career with the US Department of Agriculture, retiring after 30 years of service.

Not only did he raise cattle and sheep as a hobby, he also was a ham radio operator for many years. After retirement, Ross was active in tracing his family history and traveled throughout Texas, researching his ancestry. He made friends wherever he was, possessed a wonderful sense of humor, and placed a high value on family.

Ross was preceded in death by both his parents.

He is survived by and greatly missed by his wife Johnece, daughter Teresa Arseneau, son Robert and wife Jacqua Lynn, two granddaughters and three great granddaughters.

The family expresses their thanks to the caregivers at Castle Rock Assisted Living and at Mission Hospice for the care they gave Ross during his time of need.

Arrangements entrusted to Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel and Cemetery. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery, Fort Worth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mansfield, Texas.