Graveside service with full military honors for SFC (Retired) Ellis "Wes" Stewart will be at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Ellis Wesley Stewart of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday,  November 29, 2023 at the age of 80 years with his wife, JoAnne, of 56 years by his side. Ellis "Wes" was born April 18, 1943 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Arthur E. and Anna Lee (Dowell) Stewart. The youngest of 5 children, Wes enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country across the years in Vietnam, Germany, and numerous military installations across the United States. He quickly became known throughout his unit for his musical ability and was frequently asked to entertain his fellow soldiers with his unique piano playing style and beautiful acoustic guitar ability.

While stationed in Germany, Ellis met the love of his life, JoAnne, at a U.S. Service Club where they both shared a passion for music, laughter, and good food. Love at first sight, they married on December 23, 1967 and began their lifelong journey. Along the way, they were blessed with two children, Robert Leland Stewart and Kathryn Marie Stewart and many lifelong friends around the globe. At the end of his U.S. Army career, Wes was transferred to Fort Sill where he and JoAnne knew they had found their forever home once they met the wonderful people in Lawton. After retiring from the Service, Wes elected to stay in Lawton and work in Civil Service at Fort Sill for 20+ years where he taught radar and electrical courses. His love of music manifested itself in guitar playing, piano, and harmonica and he became a frequent musician at various locales around Lawton.

Wes is survived by his wife of 56 years; his son, Robert Stewart of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Kathryn (Stewart) Marshall of Novato, California; grandson Zane; son-in-law, Charles Marshall; brother Daniel Stewart of St. Petersburg, FL; sister, Barbara (Stewart) Juns of Redlands, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to give special thanks to all the staff of Choice Hospice, especially Melissa and Connie; to all the caregivers from ComfortKeepers; and to Mrs. Burgess and Lorena at The Burgess Grill for making Thanksgiving special.