Jerold R. Stewart

Stewart, Jerold R., age 68, ret. Special Education Administrator, passed away Friday, January 8, 2010. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, in the Garden Chapel of Watson Reflection Pointe, 3201 S. Webb Road. Jerry was born in Yates Center, Kansas and upon graduation from high school he served his country in the Navy. After his discharge, Jerry attended Colorado State College, Greeley, Colorado, majoring the educating disabled children. California is where he began his long professional career, but Kansas was home and he returned with his family in 1971. Jerry served handicapped children in the Wichita Public Schools as a teacher, psychologist and as the Division Director of Special Education. After retiring from the Wichita Public schools, Jerry continued his service to disabled children as the Director of Education and Executive Director of Heartspring. In his profession he was known as a great teacher who cared for the children and families he served. Jerry had an instinct for what was right in serving kids -- he knew the law, the policies, the technicalities, but his heart always told him what action to take. A smile, a pat on the back and “Hey bud” will always be a part of the memories of Jerry’s friends, family, and his students. Jerry is survived by his loving family; wife, Joyce; sons, Brad (Georgeann) Stewart, Wichita, Scott (Sharlene) Stewart, El Dorado, KS; step-daughter, Amy Jabara, Wichita; father, Gerald Stewart, Wichita; sister, Patricia (Pete) Cannady, Wichita; nephews Craig (Leslie) Cannady, Wichita, and Chris (Shelly) Cannady, Savanna, GA; and many grandchildren. Memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 or College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS 67214.Share memories of Jerry at watsonfuneral.com