Earl W. Stewart, 100, LCDR USN (retired), of Martinsburg, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021, after a brief illness. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 54 years, Pauline “Polly” Utsinger Stewart, and his son, Terry R. Stewart CTCMS USN (retired), of Shrewsbury Pa. He is survived by his son, Michael B. Stewart MD, of Seattle; his beloved daughter-in-law, Patricia “Trish” M. Stewart RN, of Shrewsbury; grandchildren, Neil (Sally), of Western Australia, Ellen, of Pittsburgh, and Greg, of Shrewsbury Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
Earl was born at home on Nov. 11, 1921, in Pentress, the fifth of eight children of James Richard Stewart and Cora Blanche Johnson. He graduated from Blacksville High School and entered the Civilian Conservation Corps, working for two years on the creation of what is now Coopers Rock State Forest. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940, specializing in radio communications and was stationed in Panama when the United States entered World War II. He was transferred to the European Theater of Operations and participated in the Normandy Invasion of France in 1944. He later joined the U.S. Navy Security Group, in which he remained until retirement from active duty in 1970. In 1947, he married the former Pauline Utsinger, of Grafton, in Arlington Va. Subsequently stationed in Guam, Japan, California, Hawaii, Iceland, Virginia and Washington D.C., they raised two sons, Michael (born 1950) and Terry (born 1951). After retiring from the USN, he continued working another decade and a half as a civil service employee before moving to Martinsburg in 1985.
Earl and Polly made many loving friends and established enduring, fulfilling relationships in the Martinsburg community. They were active members of Trinity United Methodist Church for many years. Earl was an active member of the Pikeside Lions Club, a life member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and the Retired Officers Association and volunteered in multiple organizations in the Martinsburg community. In 2018, he sold his home and relocated to Harmony at Martinsburg, where he fully enjoyed his final years.
He was a proud native West Virginian, a proud American sailor and an upstanding honest man. He was a loving husband and father. Earl had an infectious laugh and he loved a hug.
Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with his beloved wife. Arrangements made by Brown Funeral Home.
Condolences:
www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com
