In Memory of WriterBob Stewart

From his son & daughter

On November 6, 2014, Robert Chisem Stewart Jr. received the reward he had worked for all of his life. Known to most as Bob, he was also affectionately referred to as WriterBobStewart, Uncle Bob, Dad, and Grandad. He was 75 at the time of his death. His residence the past 4 years has been in Spring, Texas with his son, daughter in law, and grandchildren. His last days were spent doing what he loved. He passed in his hotel room in Salem Massachussetts, while attending the Writers Unplugged Unconference. Although the exact cause of death is pending, it is believed to be a “medical incident”, possibly heart failure or complications of diabetes.

Bob was born in Woodsboro, Texas on December 17, 1938 to Robert Chisem Stewart Sr. and Edna Alta Culpepper Stewart. He grew up with a younger sister, Nancy and a much younger brother, Van. He graduated from Calhoun County High School in Port Lavaca, Texas in 1957. He was active in the high school band making all regional band and barely missing all state band his senior year. He was active in drama, playing leading roles in school plays, and competing with great success in district speech and drama tournaments. He was also active in the chess club and enjoyed success in high school chess tournaments. He subsequently attended Abilene Christian College (ACC), now known as Abilene Christian University (ACU), where he also appeared in school produced plays. He began with a major in bible, which he later switched to journalism. When only a few hours from completing his degree, he was offered a job at a daily newspaper, The Vernon Record, and thus began his illustrious career spanning decades. 

Bob’s early years in journalism included times at The Borger News Herald, The Bryan Daily Eagle, The Dallas Times Herald, The Marshall News Messenger, The Laredo Times and the San Antonio Light. At a young age, while managing editor at The Bryan Daily Eagle, he was recognized by editor and publisher and state journalism societies as being the best in the state of Texas in several categories. Also while in Bryan, Bob’s play “WHICH DEATH TO DIE?” was produced by the AGGIE PLAYERS and he wrote 2 scripts for the number one TV series “GUNSMOKE”. 

During his nearly twenty years at the San Antonio light, he began to focus on entertainment news, developing the first TV book to accommodate the multiple channel listings that were needed for the new cable networks. He wrote the weekly cover story for the TV guide and a daily column for the TV section of the newspaper. He also enjoyed a number of years on the air with the local network affiliate Channel 12 KSAT doing moving reviews. He would rank the movies on a scale of 1-12 and give his “Bobservations”. 

Following his work at the San Antonio Light, Bob worked freelance for People magazine, US magazine, Life magazine, and many others. He gave up his freelance status to work full time for People magazine for several years to wrap up a distinguished career in the field of journalism. During his career, Bob interviewed literally thousands of people, both famous and infamous, ranging from presidents, to serial killers, to movie stars. Bob’s most relished interview ever was the day he interviewed Roy Rogers, his childhood hero. He stated that he could hardly speak and that Roy was everything he could ever want a hero to be.

After retiring from People magazine, Bob began a career as an author, having four non-fiction books published:

• MAN TO MAN When the woman you love has breast cancer St Marten’s Press 1989
• SACRIFICE Word Publishing 1990
• REVENGE REDEEMED Fleming H Revell 1991
• NO REMORSE Pinnacle Books 1996

In recent years Bob has enjoyed the publishing of three fiction books

• ALIAS THOMAS A. KATT Solstice Publishing 2011
• HIDDEN EVIL Novel Concept Publishing 2011
• FIRST BORN Novel Concept Publishing 2013

Recently, Bob received recognition from the Writer’s Guild of America for his work in 1967 on scripts for Gunsmoke, named as one of WGA’s 101 Best Written TV Series of the last 70 years.

Above all else, Bob loved God. A close second was the time he had with his family. A loving and sacrificial husband, father, and grandfather he set an example of what a Godly man should be. Ever patriotic, he was never too busy to stop, and shake hands, and thank every law enforcement officer or any military personnel he saw. Bob was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and consistent in his involvement. He often preached sermons on Sundays, taught bible classes, and officiated weddings and funerals as a lay minister. 

He loved a good joke, especially if it involved an Aggie. It was often said “You will know if Bob doesn’t like you if he doesn’t tease you”. He loved to watch his beloved Aggies football team and “bled maroon”. He also was a big Dallas Cowboy fan and especially enjoyed assignments when he got to interview the Cowboy players. A dominating presence, he usually seemed to be in command of all situations. At his last writers “unconference” the night before he passed, Bob spoke on “Perseverence”. All attending were thinking of persevering within the literary world……the fight to be published. The best lesson though form Bob Stewart was the perseverence and love that he showed seeing his wife Martha through 2 bouts with cancer. When Bob gave his word, he kept it.

Bob is survived by his son Dr. Robert Chisem Stewart III and his spouse Kimberly Ann Stewart of Spring, Texas, his daughter Martha Liland Stewart of New York City, grandchildren Christina Leigh Stewart, Courtney (CA) Ann Stewart, and Robert Chisem Stewart IV, sister Nancy Lee Giles of Corsicana, Texas, and beloved “kitty” Schyler, resident of “Grandad’s Cabana.”

Preceding Bob in death are his wife of 50 years Martha Ann Oeding Stewart, and brother William Van Stewart.

Services will be held Friday November 14
Viewing/visitation at 9:00 AM Memorial Service at 10:00 AM
New Klein Chapel-Mausoleum
& 50 Acre Memorial Park
F.M. 2920, Klein Texas, 77379
(281)320-2674

In charge of arrangements is
Klein Funeral Home
16131 Champion Forest Drive
Klein, Texas 77379
(281)320-2674

Officiating will be Minister Mark Davis from the Crestway Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas. Pallbearers will include Brian Harris, Charlie Meyers, Bobby Stewart, and Ronnie Giles. 

The family thanks all of those from Bob’s personal and professional life who have given so much support and love for WriterBob and his family!

“Do not go softly into that good night…………”

LOVING………………..GIVING…..…………..FIERCE