John Ray Stewart

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Healdton-John Ray Stewart went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the age of 89. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, October 27, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Healdton with Derek Ruhl officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery in Healdton with Military Honors. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Healdton.

John was born on January 7, 1934, at Matoy, Oklahoma to the late Ben Stewart and Veda Mae (Lawson) Stewart. John attended school in Matoy, Russett, Seymour, Texas, Mountain Home, and graduated from Graham High School in 1954. He excelled in sports and loved fishing and hunting with his brothers and dad. While in high school and after graduation he worked in the oil field. In April 1954, he joined the United States Marine Corp. He chose the Marines because they had the best looking (and still do) dress uniform. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California before transferring with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to South Korea then to Japan. He was known for his sharpshooting and typing skills. John received a meritorious promotion to Sergeant in October 1956 for his outstanding devotion to duty. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After Japan, he returned to Camp Pendleton and received an honorable discharged from the Marine’s in April 1958.

John really liked the Marines and almost re-enlisted, but then he met the love of his life, Noreta Parks. They were married on December 6, 1958, in Redlands, California and have a daughter and son. Not long after he was married, he started working for Farmers Insurance as an agent. When the family moved from Redlands to Healdton, John continued working for Farmers Insurance. John really enjoyed being an insurance agent and worked for Farmers Insurance for over 40 years and retired in 2000. After retiring, he spent many hours gardening, collecting aluminum cans for recycling, and picking up pecans. His favorite pastime was fishing, particularly with his son. John loved spending time with his family. John and Noreta were married for 61 years before passing in June 2019. They had a long happy Christ centered marriage.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherrilyn Stewart; his son, Kent Stewart and his wife Tammy; grandchildren Stefany Ruhl and her husband Derek, and Will Stewart; sister, Wanda Bailey. John is preceded in death by his loving wife, Noreta; his parents, Ben and Veda Stewart; brothers A.D., G.W., Bill, and Rudy; sisters Martha Wagers, Charolette Baggett, and Sharon Perkins.

John is a Christian and was a member of the Healdton First Baptist Church. He was an active member at his church but slowed down due to the progression of his Alzheimer’s. He spent his last few months at the Veteran’s home in Ardmore. John enjoyed being there and was treated with a great deal of respect and loving care.

He was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family, and his friends. The best thing John and Noreta did was raising their children to know and love God and setting a daily example of what that meant.

Casket Bearers will be Larry Bruner, Steven Moen, Terry Rozzell, David Stewart, Wes Warrington and Don Westbrook.

Family visitation will be from 6 to 8pm Thursday evening at Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Healdton.

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexandergrayfh.com