Daniel Roy Stewart, Master Shipbuilder, woodworker, devoted San Francisco 49ers fan, and husband, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Courtland, Virginia. He was 64.
Daniel was born on April 21, 1962, in Stockton, California, to a young Navy family that eventually established roots in Virginia. He also spent many formative summers in Altus, Oklahoma, with his beloved aunt and uncle, Kay and David Stewart.
At age 13, Daniel met 11-year-old Bonnie Sue Garris at church; however, they did not begin dating until a decade later. Their first date was November 12, 1983, at a youth rally, and they were married on June 8, 1985. The newlyweds began their life together on the Peninsula and, in 2007, made their home in Courtland. There, they enjoyed gardening and other shared hobbies, and Daniel built his own woodshop.
In September 2023, after 40 years of service at Newport News Shipbuilding, Daniel was honored with the title of Master Shipbuilder. During his career, Daniel worked on aircraft carriers CVN-70 through CVN-79.
Daniel enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and music, especially Southern rock. He found particular joy in relaxing in the sunroom he built and in taking quiet fishing trips for Largemouth Bass. He cherished time with his wife, including countless road trips to Pennsylvania filled with antiquing, as well as their friendly household rivalry when Daniel’s San Francisco 49ers played Bonnie’s Green Bay Packers.
Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Warren Stewart. He is survived by his mother, Beatrice Stewart; his brother, Robert Stewart; his sister, Karen Stewart Carvell; and his loving wife of 40 years, Bonnie Garris Stewart.
A memorial service will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daniel’s honor to BeHeard (bhmovement.org), or to your local food bank.
5 Comments
Bonnie,
I was sorry to hear the news about Daniel. It wasn’t that long ago that we ran into each other at a Courtland grocery store. What a reminder that only God holds our tomorrows and now He holds Daniel in the shelter of His arms. God Bless you and keep you always. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers! With much prayer and memories of years gone by,
Robyn (Lyons) More & Family
I talked with Dan a mouth ago. We talked about retirement never to thank His retirement would be as such. God has a plan for all of our lives; we must believe and trust in His plans for us. for your lost may He comfort your heart and guide you through these times. Amen.
Bonnie, Mrs. Stewart, Karen, and Robert, I was so, so sorry to hear the news of Daniel’s passing. No doubt there was a boatload of our families and friends waiting to meet him at the gates of heaven, including my Billy. My prayers are with you all as you go forward…💕💕
Saddened and shocked to hear of Dan’s sudden passing! Great memories working alongside him at times back in the 90’s. We mourn but not like those without hope. Thankful for the Savior who paid the ultimate price, that those of us who have put our trust in Jesus will one day be reunited. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for Bonnie, family and friends during this time of sorrow.
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
I was shocked to hear of Dan’s passing. Dan was one of the “Good Ones” in the shipyard. We spent many hours testing and troubleshooting various systems on the carriers. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.