Final Farewell to Emmett Vern Stewart- December 16, 1919 - July 11, 2008
Houston, TX. - July 11, 2008 -- Emmett V. Stewart was devoted to God, family, his country and hard work. He was born on December 16, 1919 in San Diego California to an Irish Immigrant Mother, Mary Catherine Gallagher, and a Texas Cowboy Father, Walter E. Stewart. Emmett was raised in San Diego and attended San Diego State, Loyola Jesuit and Notre Dame University. He was in the Army, Marines and Navy where he learned to fly PBY planes and was a Champion Boxer on the U.S. Navy Boxing Team.
Emmett married Geraldine Evans, on March 13, 1945. After WW11, he worked with Jacuzzi Brothers in St. Louis and then struck out on his own in the early 50's to Houston, with Gerrie and their first 5 children, where 5 more of their children were born. Emmett co-founded S & N Pump Company, servicing Water Well Drillers and bringing clean water throughout the area, often free, to those in need.
In the 60's he expanded to the offshore drilling industry. His vision, with his family, especially daughter and son-in-law Karen and David Draper, allowed S & N Pump Company to expand worldwide. Emmett lived charity without fanfare, often gathering his family to provide food and care for others. From their early days in Houston's Oak Forest to golfing retirement in April Sound, Emmett and Gerrie Stewart also traveled the World as "ambassadors" for S & N Pump Company.
Emmett is preceded in death by his Parents and siblings: Vincent and Charles Stewart and Angela "Babe" Hawley. Surviving siblings are Victor and Gilbert Stewart and June Malarkey.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Gerrie Stewart; his children, their spouses, and children: Anne and John/Bob Helton, John, Jr. and Melissa; Karen and David Draper, Richard; Richard Stewart, Jake and Justin; Walter Stewart, Eric, Kelly and Doug; Stephen Stewart, Daniel, Keith and Kristina; Cathy and Bobby Robertson, Brian and Dana; Julie and Mark Jacobs, Kristin, Chloe and Catherine; Mary and Hank Jones, Caleb, Graham and Maggie; Jimmy and Monica Stewart, Jarett and Billy and Laura Stewart, Hayley and Max. He has 15 Great-Grandchildren: Casey, Molly, Jack and Matt Martin; Luke and Dylan Draper; Noelle and Gabriel Hall; Morrighan and Rhiannon Stewart; D.J., Joshua, and Sara Stewart; Abri Stewart and Avery Robertson, with 2 more expected in 2008.
Visitation and Irish Wake with Sr. Virginia, will be held Sunday, July 13, 2008, 5pm-7pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 1101 Antoine Rd. (I-10 West and Antoine).
Rite of Christian Burial, Monday, July 14, 10:30 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, with Pastor John Weyer and Fr. Witold. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Garden of Memories. Pallbearers are his devoted sons-in-law: John (Bob) Helton, David Draper, Bobby Robertson, Dr. Mark Jacobs, Hank Jones, and grandson-in-law Larry Martin.
Donations, if desired, to the following charities: St. Vincent de Paul Church; Sheltering Arms Senior Services, 3838 Aberdeen Way, 77025 or Water for Life, Ft. Worth, TX.