Biography of Clyde E. and Jerrine N. Stewart

Clyde E. Stewart (1927-1977) and Jerrine N. Stewart (1932-2019) 

Jerrie and Clyde were both born (Sheridan and Rozet) into homesteading families and raised in Wyoming.  With the exception of World War II and their early married years, they lived all their lives in our state, raising their family in Buffalo, then moving to Sheridan in 1965. Their love for, and devotion to, their family and their professional lives resulted in them being two of the very strong, bright threads making up the fabric of their community.  They had deep and wonderful friendships, there was always a place for someone else at their table, and they were always grateful even when their world was challenging. 

 

They were the parents of seven beloved children. Their professional lives were in the public service sectors of education and community journalism. Clyde was a high school teacher and coach, while Jerrie was with The Sheridan Press for 25 years, serving as a beat reporter and page editor. It is worth noting that their professional lives meant they were known to some degree across the spectrum of the community, which also meant there was virtually nothing their beloved children might do that they wouldn’t know about! 

 

Between family and work, and in combination of family and work, they gave everything they could to their community in the spirit of time, talent and treasure, as was true of so many of their friends and neighbors. They borrowed heavily to give of their time, they nourished and grew their talent to better serve, and what miniscule treasure they had they gave as best they were able. Their own family, and their community, were beneficiaries of their efforts. Their public service was quiet but significant. 

 

Unexpectedly, Clyde passed away from sudden heart failure in the fall of 1977 at the age of 50. His death was deeply felt by his students, colleagues and the community. Jerrie became the center of her family. Her deep well of resilience surfaced as she continued to raise her three children still at home, and continued her work and service in the community.  She remained resilient through the remaining four decades of her life, even during her last few years as dementia unsuccessfully tried to capture her spirit. 

 

Their personal and professional lives continue to resonate today, through the lives of their own six surviving children and their families, and the lives of so many former students. There are numerous community groups and institutions which they helped create, guide and serve which remain active and strong, in part due to this leadership provided by them and other committed members of their community.  

 

Their daughter, Kendall (Stewart) Hartman, noted “it has been such a privilege, and a joy, along with my husband Joseph Hartman and our family, and my siblings Thone (Carol), Dow, (Tanya) Bryn and Tye (Darla) Stewart and Paige Stewart (Jim) Farby, and their families, to work with the University of Wyoming, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies to create this professorship in memory and honor of Jerrie and Clyde Stewart.”