Fred Stewart Jr.

     Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Frederick Jacob Stewart Jr., 85, of Westminster, Maryland, entered the comforting arms of Jesus on July 3, 2021. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Mary Jane Stewart, their children Ronald, Michael (Kimberly), Gary (Kathleen), and Jennifer (Craig Bowen Sr.) Known as Fred to family and friends, he was "Pop" to his 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who dearly loved him. He will also be remembered and missed by numerous friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Alyssa Bowen and daughter-in-law Beverly Stewart. 

     Fred was born to Frederick Jacob Stewart Sr. and Ollie Stewart (Shanks) on July 24, 1935, in Keystone, West Virginia. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His service in the electronics division between 1955 to 1959 fostered his strong work ethic and prepared him for a successful career as a Computer Engineer, working for Westinghouse, Sperry Rand, Hewlett-Packard,  and finally, NASA from which he retired in 2003. Outside of work, it seemed that there was nothing that Fred couldn't repair. Generous with his time, he was the first to show up with paint brush or hammer in hand to enthusiastically help take on any home improvement project, always bringing his characteristic boundless energy that made even the boring jobs more fun. Meticulously organized, his home workshop had a place for every tool, material, scrap, hardware, widget, paint, wax and accessory, and everything was in its place. 

     Fred married the love of his life, Mary Jane Taylor, on June 10, 1956, in Catonsville, Maryland. Together they loved and raised their four children. At every opportunity, Fred would share the "secret" of their long, happy marriage: A mutual hope and faith in Jesus Christ.

     Fred worked hard, at times juggling more than one job, but he was someone who had a love of life and a clear understanding of what was most important. Fred and Janie especially loved traveling the U.S. and exploring the outdoors. As a young family, camping was a favorite activity that included, as Fred described, "four kids, a grandmother, and a hound dog" in tow. Fred enjoyed hiking the trails of the Patapsco Valley and fishing the fresh lakes and rivers of the eastern shore. For most of his adult life, Fred was also an avid cycler. He often enjoyed weekends and holidays biking with Jane, his children, grandchildren, and friends along the North Central Trail in Maryland. Those who know him will also remember his prolific vegetable garden and mischievous sense of humor. 

     Memorial donations in Fred's name can be made to the Alyssa Bowen Memorial fund https://pushpay.com/g/mabcmd?f%5B0%5D=The%20Alyssa%20Bowen%20Memorial%20Fund&src=fp or BridgingLife Hospice https://gratitude.lifebridgehealth.org/page/28430/donate/1 

     A Celebration of Fred's Life is planned for 2:00 pm Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Uniontown Bible Church, 4280 Watson Land, Union Bridge, MD (www.utown.org)

     Arrangements by MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., Taneytown.