Jerry) David Steward, 50, of Owasso, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 15, 1973, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to James Kaylor Steward II and Diane Jean Stubby Steward, David lived a life full of love, passion, and dedication.
David completed his secondary education in Stillwater, Oklahoma, graduating with the Stillwater High School Class of 1992, where he excelled in basketball. His talent on the court led him to play at St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee and later at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. It was during this time he met his future wife, Rachel Eastep. They married on September 16, 2000, in Prague, Oklahoma.
A devoted husband, father, and friend, David touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity. His passion for sports was evident in his avid support for OSU, often seen wearing orange. David was highly active, completing multiple races, including a half Ironman, sprint triathlons, and Hotter than Hell. Biking and swimming were among his favorite hobbies, but basketball was always at his core. He played in high school, college, recreational leagues, countless pick-up games, church leagues, and even coached his son’s teams.
David’s commitment to his community was unparalleled with his dedicated countless hours to non-profits. David launched health and wellness ministries, mission 5k’s, Christian athlete programs, men’s fitness boot camps, Amazing Games, and the Play program with Owasso elementary schools. His selfless spirit and willingness to help others were an inspiration to all who knew him.
For the past 10+ years, David worked at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso, contributing significantly to the bariatric program, and serving as the program director in recent years. He was passionate about changing lives and made a positive impact through his work. In his spare time, David became a talented videographer, creating Tulsa Dance Video as a business for dance recitals. Which later expanded to various projects in theatre, real estate, sports highlights, business features, and more. His dedication and commitment to excellence were widely respected.
A strong man of faith, David was an active member of First Church in Owasso.
David is survived by his wife, Rachel; his children, Carter (21) and Skylar (17); and his parents, Jim and Diane Steward and in-laws Ernie and Lisa Eastep. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Wendy and Larry Foland; niece, Emma Foland; nephew, Kaylor Cruz; and his brother, Jimmy Steward.
David was preceded in death by his grandparents, James (Doc) K. Steward Sr. and Geraldine (Gerry) Beatty Steward; (David) Allen and (Helen) June Learnard Stubby; and adoptive grandmother, Rosie Martens.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 4, 2024, at First Church in Owasso. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to the Bailey Education Foundation to support healthcare scholarship opportunities in David’s memory. David served on the foundation board since 2021, most recently as Vice President. To donate, please visit baileyeducationfoundation.com.
David’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. To honor his love for all things OSU, attendees are encouraged to wear orange and black.
Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. For more information, visit www.moweryfs.com.
