MSgt Lewis Bell Steward, USAF Ret.

MSgt Lewis Bell Steward, USAF Ret., age 82, of Belleville, IL, was born on July 17, 1937 in Greenwood, MS left this world on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Lewis graduated from high school in 1955 and joined the United States Air Force to serve his country from 1956-1960.  On July 29, 1960, he married the love of his life, Georgia Mae (Williams) Steward, and wife of “L.B.” for 59 years.

A few months after being married, Lewis re-enlisted on October 19, 1960.  He served a total of 27 years in the military, retiring from the USAF in 1984 as a Master Sergeant.  He was a Vietnam War Veteran and recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal Army, Air Force Longevity Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and other awards throughout his military service career.

After Lewis retired from the USAF, he continued to serve in the military as a Federal Technician employee serving another 20 years at Joint Operations Support Air Lift Command (JOSAC) at United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) at Scott Air Force Base, where he was affectionately called The Godfather.  USTRANSCOM is the Department of Defense (DOD) provider of full-spectrum global mobility solutions which enables capabilities to their customers during both peace and wartime missions.

Lewis was a loving husband, dedicated father, son, uncle, and cousin and proud of his family. He was a loyal and trusted friend. L.B. was a sincere, humble and very grateful man. He had a big heart and caring nature, which transcended to his family, friends, and neighbors.  He was an active lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), Post 4183.  He was known as Mr. Stew and he would do anything for his fellow service member or any Veteran.  He enjoyed cooking and helping others. Although Mr. Stew was of small statue and had a quiet demeanor, he had a command presence with a wonderful warm smile and was seen as a leader in his community. No feat was too big or small and he tackled each with pride.  Mr. Stew took care of things, he made it happen.  He made a big impact and had a positive influence on others.

Lewis is preceded in death by his father Johnny Bell Steward, his mother Claudine Dennis, his brothers Moses aka-Bucky (Dottie) Steward, Johnny Bell, Jr.; Charles Edward (Estelle, Renee, Bonnie); Jimmy Dale; and his youngest daughter Jacquelyn (Clifford) Gocha.

He is survived in life by his wife Georgia Mae (Williams) Steward from Belleville, IL; his brothers James Allen (Willie Mae) from Chicago, IL; and Sylvester from his only sister Beulah Marie Campbell (William), his children Michael Rene (Dawn); Andre Keith (Jayne); Angela Marisha Steward-Randle (ex-James); and Brian Anthony; his grandchildren, Simmonia Steward; Julian Gocha; Colin Miles; Marisha Randle; James Andrew Randle; Adam Harris; Casey Cox; Laquita Drayton-Cowart; Raphael Holder; Chanel Gocha; Ryan Sullivan; Anthony Herrera, and Sebastian Beer; his Great-grandchildren Jordynn, Trinity, MaKayla, Julianna, and Nova; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

To his family and friends, he was known as a compassionate, soothing, a very well respected man, and dear friend above all, a loving husband and family man.  He had a good full life and enriched the lives of others.  Good job, good servant.  Lewis, L.B., Godfather, Mr. Stew, daddy, you will be sincerely missed and fondly remembered.

The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for your thoughts, prayers and condolences during this time.  As Lewis would not want anyone doing anything special or anyone going out of their way for him, the family is requesting no memorials, but rather make a donation in his honor to the Lung Cancer of America or the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

A Memorial Service and Homecoming Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Father Gene Neff officiating and with full Military Funeral Honors. 

A Repast will be held at the Scott VFW Post 4183, 1516 Old State Route 158, Belleville, IL 62221, immediately following the ceremony.  Interment will be conducted privately at a later date where his final resting place will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, MO.

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