STEWART, Terry

Parker Pioneer, Parker, Arizona - Published Wednesday, February 17, 2010 > Feb. 25, 1955 - Jan. 8, 2010 < Terry Stewart, 54, a long-time La Paz County Sheriff's deputy, died Jan. 8, 2010 at his home in Parker. He began in law enforcement with the Yuma County Sheriff's Department in 1973. He was transferred into the La Paz Sheriff's Office when the county was created on Jan. 1, 1983. He officially retired in on Sept. 30, 2000, but stayed on as an evidence technician until the time of his passing. He loved his children and grandchildren. He liked motorcycles, animals and hamburgers. He enjoyed activities with his grandchildren, going to school activities and rock hounding with them. Sheriff Don Lowery stated, "Terry Stewart was a good friend and co-worker. He was always very supportive of school functions and kids. He was always helping out and visiting any DARE picnics and barbecues that I had for school kids. When I first started working here, I went out with Terry looking for evidence. I happened to find it and the case number assigned was my call sign, 58. I got stuck with my family out in the desert. I knew Terry had a four-wheel drive Jeep. I called him and he came out and pulled my family and me out. He was always there to assist you in the time of need. He will be missed and I will miss him." Former Sheriff Hal Collett said, "I have always had the greatest admiration for Terry Stewart. Terry has always been the most quiet and humble person, neither seeking praise or gratitude. He went to work every day in our community for over 30 years as a law enforcement professional, working for the La Paz County Sheriff's Office. He was a person we all depended on for years. He will be greatly missed by all area law enforcement personnel. I admired Terry because of his commitment to his family. He was a committed family man taking on the raising of his three grandchildren. Although he had his own dreams, he was committed to raising his children and grandchildren and providing them with the best life possible by providing them with a loving and nurturing environment. Although Terry has left us physically, he will live on spiritually in all who knew him." Deputy Bill Poindexter stated, "First off, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Terry Stewart's family. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have considered Terry a friend for about 17 years. He was a trustworthy person who I was able to speak open and freely with. When I left law enforcement in 1995, Terry was one of the few people in the department who kept a friendship and dialog with me. This was the kind of person he was (those in law enforcement know what I am talking about). It was his confidence and friendship (he was the driving force) that helped me get back into law enforcement in 1997. I have thanked him many times for this. To me, he was the kind or person who all his friends and even those who knew him will miss him. There is no doubt I will miss the morning conversations with him in front of the SO. I respected him for the years of service he put in with the La Paz County Sheriff's Office and simply respect him for the man he was. Thank you once again, Terry, for everything." Terry is survived by his mother, Iola Jimenez, stepfather, Jimmy Jimenez; brother, Brett Stewart; daughters Taree Stewart, Wendy Stewart; stepson Ryan McCabe; grandchildren, Martin Cabrera, Raylee Cabrera, Jose "JJ" Cabrera, Ernie McCabe, Evelyn McCabe, Elizabeth McCabe, Esther McCabe, Ezra McCabe and Maria Johnson McCabe. Father Avil "Gene" Stewart; brother, Shane Stewart; and sister, Lynnette Sheldon preceded him in death. A full honors funeral service was held Jan. 16, at Blake Primary School.