Joseph Benjamin Steward

Joseph “Joe” Steward was born on September 26th. 1946 in Woodbury New Jersey. His family then moved to Florida when Joe was starting school. In his youth Joe would help his Father deliver papers to the people on the Islands around St. Petersburg. Joe engaged in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout earning the God and Country award and going on to become a “Sea Scout”. Joe would earn extra money carrying around a small can of red paint and asking his neighbors if he could paint the flag on their mailboxes. Joe would charge a quarter and never had anyone turn him down. He continued his education at a Vocational School learning radio and tv repair. Joe also had a Ham Radio Operator license. He found joy in being able to reach Puerto Rico by Morse Code on his ham radio. Joe also did some shrimping off the coast of St. Petersburg Florida. Joe joined the Navy and achieved the rank of E-5 2nd Class Peti Officer. He earned numerous awards and enjoyed being a Radio operator and observing radars. Joe enjoyed the travel the Navy provided for him. He was especially fond of his visit to Jerusalem and had many memories of walking where Jesus trod. Joe once tried to sneak a rabbit on board the Naval ship and was caught and had to let the rabbit go. Joe would meet the love of his life Brandy at the apartment building they both lived in. They were very happy and shared the adventure of traveling to craft shows where Joe would make wooden objects and Brandy would paint them then sell them. They crafted their home on wheels out of a bus for their travels. Joe spent his years as an Electrician. Joe could grow anything, and his garden was always started from seed. He loved to read, and he knew the Bible well. Joe’s main purpose was to live so that he may be the one Christian someone might meet and come to know Jesus. Joe grew up in Church and witnessed his Parents love for God which he continued throughout his life as his love for God was apparent to all those that knew him.