Douglas Steward

Douglas John Steward, age 81, of St. Louis, MI passed away Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Mid Michigan Medical Center, Midland, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Louis Church of Christ, St. Louis, MI on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Justin Daron officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at Sunfield Cemetery, Sunfield, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.

Douglas was born in Sunfield, Michigan on May 13, 1934, the son of John and Laura (Phieffer) Steward. He graduated from Vermontville High School and went on to attend Kalamazoo College. He resided most of his life in St. Louis, MI.  He married Julia Joanne Joppie on June 12, 1954. Joanne passed away on June 29, 2003.

Doug started his teaching and coaching career at Saranac High School, where he coached all sports and was the athletic director. He retired from St. Louis Public Schools as an American History teacher in December of 1988. Doug coached basketball and football at St. Louis High School for many years.  From 1966-1972 they remained the conference champions in basketball and he took his team all the way to the quarter finals in 1968.  Doug was a track and field starter official for 40 years, he also was an active referee/official for football, cross country and volleyball.  He enjoyed watching the Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Tigers Baseball. He attended the Michigan High School Basketball State Finals for 45 years.

Doug was a member of the CSA and Sages- 'Magnificent 7' coaching fraternity. He enjoyed spending time at the lake with his family and being captain of the pontoon. He had many family traditions including; oyster stew at Christmas and Maryland Blue Fin Crab feasts. He enjoyed morning coffee with local friends. Doug loved spending time with his grandchildren and especially loved watching them in their school activities.

He is survived by children; Cheryl and Gary Havenstein of Mt. Airy, MD, Ron and Deb Steward of Lake, MI, Michele Patterson of Okemos, MI, Jon and Erin Steward of Ithaca, MI, grandchildren; Melissa Jo and Steven Smith, Kenzie Marie Steward, Ashley Michele Patterson, Holly Marie Havenstein, Jeff Steward Havenstein, Rob Steward Havenstein, Tom Steward, great grandchildren; Julia Joann Smith and William Douglas Smith, brothers; Robert and Jane Steward and Dick and Bonnie Steward. He is also survived by many special relatives and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Louis High School Basketball Team Scholarship Fund in Memory of Douglas J. Steward. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Louis, Michigan.