John Claire Stewart

John Claire Stewart, 58, of Abilene and North Richland Hills, passed away on July 25th in Abilene. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, August 13 at First Baptist Church of Abilene, with Palmer McCown officiating. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. John Stewart was born in Humboldt, Tennessee, to George and Katherine Stewart on August 29, 1957. He graduated from Abilene High School and Hardin-Simmons University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in geology. John, well-known on the HSU campus as “Hillbilly”, was a dedicated member of the World-Famous Cowboy Band and a cheerleader. He went on to earn two Masters degrees in education, from Texas Woman’s University and The University of Texas at Dallas. He married Karel Mercer on June 29, 1991, in North Richland Hills. He worked as a science teacher for Dallas ISD and Birdville ISD, and as an adjunct geology professor for Tarrant County College. He enjoyed family camping trips and spending time with his children, especially watching them play sports and perform in band. He was extremely proud of his children, who brought him great pleasure. John was preceded in death by his father, George Claire Stewart, and his brother, George William Stewart. John is survived by his former wife of 20 years, Karel Stewart, his sons John Claire, Jr. and James Andrew Stewart, daughter Mary Katherine (Katie) Stewart, mother Katherine Stewart, sister and brother-in-law Angela and Monty Lewis, sister and brother-in-law Starla Ruth and Earl Jordan, and nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to Cornerstone Assistance Network, 3500 Noble Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111. The family of John Stewart wishes to extend our sincere thanks to doctors Carlson and Varghese, Charlie Huff and The Footprints and The Country Gentlemen, Mr. Purcell, close friends Allen, Trina, Sherry, Andy, Gaylon, Clarence, Gary, Steve, Andy Mercer, and so many others who encouraged John during his difficult journey.