Obituaries

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.