Growing up the son of an oilfi eld worker, Jerry and his family made their home in several places including: Fittstown and Coyle, OK and Bunkie, LA. As a 1954 graduate of Coyle High School, Jerry participated in many school activities including: FFA, Yearbook staff, C-Club, Junior and Senior plays, Band, Class Officer, basketball and Baseball.

After Jerry’s graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX. He then transferred to Hanscom AFB, in Bedford, MA, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Nancy Anzalone. They married on February 23, 1957 in North Cambridge, MA, prior to his being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1958.

Jerry’s career was spent serving America’s veterans. In 1966, he was appointed as Assistant Administrator of the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Sulphur, which led to his later appointment as Administrator. In 1986, he advanced to become the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, serving veterans and their families until his retirement in 1990.

Jerry was civic minded, serving in various roles in the community. He served as President of the Sulphur School Board of Education and was an active member of the Sulphur Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed supporting his children in their activities. He coached little league baseball and attended many sporting events and dance recitals. He was also involved with multiple veterans’ organizations. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed fishing and playing golf. He also loved to dance with his wife when the opportunity presented itself.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory include his loving wife, Nancy; six children, Scott Stewart, Mark Stewart and wife Lisa, Sandra DeVault and husband Scott, Shawn Howard and husband Kenny, Kelly Stewart and husband Steve Dunham, and Kathryn Stewart; four grandchildren, Faith Sly and husband Cameron, Kyle DeVault and wife Maggie, Dack Howard and wife Lacey, and Dylon Howard and wife Kimber; six great-grandchildren, Rachel and Caleb DeVault and Callum, Hannah, Murphi and Hope Howard; as well as one sister, Stephanie Barker; and one niece, Tracey Hendricks.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was also preceded in death by one sister, Colleen Stewart, and brother, Sam Stewart.

A memorial service to honor Jerry’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Crossway First Baptist Church in Sulphur with Pastor Bill Leveridge officiating.

Services are “Entrusted To” HALE’S Funeral Home of Sulphur, OK. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.