Donald L. Steward

Donald Lee Steward, age 83, entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 13 at 8:15 pm. He is survived by his son, Brian (Terri) Steward, daughter-in-law Karen Steward, grandchildren: Stephanie (Rick) Grimes, Tyler Steward, Brandy (Zack) Bontrager, Joe (Erin) Steward, Suni Steward, Beau (Gwen Anderson) Steward, Stephen Page, Shawn Page and Sarah (Chris) Finney, great-grandchildren: Callen, Austin, Meadow, Luke, Adam, Andrew, Max, Olivia, Asher, Hayden, Mason, sister-in-law Patti Mappes and loyal miniature schnauzer, Cody. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Urvin and Virginia Pearl (Killen) Steward, his brothers William A. Steward and Ralph L. Steward, his beautiful wife, Barbara Ruth Isenberg Steward, beloved son Gregory Dean Steward and precious great-grandson Carter Grimes.

Don was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on January 2, 1939. The family later relocated to Monrovia, Indiana where Don graduated high school from in 1957. On November 29, 1957, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Seabee in the United States Naval Construction Battalion MCB#3 stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

He returned home in 1959 and married the love of his life, Barbara, on April 3, 1960, in Monrovia United Christian Church. They raised two wonderful sons, supporting each in all sports, especially football. Don was a founding member in the creation of the Monrovia Youth Football program. Don and Barbara loved to travel, seeing Hawaii twice, loving their family and miniature schnauzers. They celebrated 57 years together before her passing on June 7, 2017.

Don worked over 30 years with Eli Lilly and Company in their Chemical Division, but his true love was woodworking. He became a master in creating furniture, cabinetry and after retirement, began creating hand carved custom wood waterfowl and birds, winning the Grand Award at the Indiana State Fair for one of his beautiful creations.

Another of Don’s passions were cars that went fast! He was a member of the Corvette Club and later, loved his Cadillacs. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and watching NASCAR, attending the inaugural Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis on August 6, 1994.

Don was a believer and loved God and Jesus Christ, his savior. As a youth, he attended church in Monrovia then later in life, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Although Don is no longer in sight, he will live on in the hearts and minds of his loved ones. Memories will never fade of his sense of humor, quick wit, and intelligent mind.

Pastor Jeff Alexander, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, will deliver a public gravesite service on Wednesday, November 30 at noon at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 734 N. Morgantown Road, Greenwood, IN 46142. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity, or to Don’s, Wounded Warrior Project