Tommy Stephen Stewart (Steve, Dad, Granddaddy, Uncle Steve) 72, of Houston, TX, went home to be with his loving Savior on January 26th, 2017.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service from 9:30 to 10:30, with funeral services following at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at Humble Areas First Baptist Church with his son Todd Stewart officiating. Arrangements are by Rosewood funeral home in Humble, TX. Graveside services will be Sunday February 5th, 2017at 11:00 A.M. at Burkeville Cemetery in Burkeville, TX. Serving as pallbearers will be Lane Stewart, Ben Forester, Nathan Forester, John Hill, Buddy Crochet and Paul Burton.

Steve was born in Honey Grove, TX on Nov 8, 1944. Following his graduation from Beaumont’s French High School, he served with the U. S. Navy in Vietnam. On March 27,1972, he married the love of his life and soul mate, Brenda Smith Stewart. He trusted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior in 1997 and was later baptized at Humble Areas First Baptist Church where he served faithfully until his passing. Steve was devoted to his family, his Lord and the furtherance of the good news of Jesus Christ around the world. He was very successful in business and firmly believed that success was a direct blessing from God. That belief, led him to be one of the most generous men one could hope to meet.

After graduating from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, Steve enjoyed more than 25 years in the steamship industry working for Sealand, United States Lines, Nedlloyd Lines and P&O Nedlloyd serving in executive positions throughout the US and Europe.

In April of 1996, Steve cashed in his 401K to found Gulf Winds International, Inc. where he served as President for17 years and Chairman until his passing. Steve also served in a number of industry related organizations including: Board Chair of Houston’s International Seafarers Center, The Maritime Museum, Vice Chair of The Greater Houston Port Bureau, University of Houston’s College of Technology advisory board, Chair of The East End Chamber of Commerce, the Harris County Ship Channel Security District, Chair GHP International Trade Development committee, TXDOT’s Texas Freight Advisory Board and leader of the informal advisory committee to the Chairman of the Port Commission to name a few. Steve was named Maritime Person of the Year by the Greater Houston Port Bureau in August of 2011.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Bill Phillips and his father and mother-in-law, Max and Edren Smith.

Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of faith are his wife Brenda, son Todd, daughter-in-law Nikki, grandson Lane, granddaughter Lexi, mother Wanemia (Nanny) Phillips, sister-in-law Joan Forester, 5 nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

The family of Steve Stewart wishes to extend our sincere thanks to MD Anderson leukemia doctors and the entire 16th floor nursing staff.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to More Than The Move Foundation, 411 Brisbane St.. Houston, Texas 77061