DOWNEY - Downey resident Kenneth Perry Steward passed away on June 20.He was born to Joseph and Ruth Steward on June 24, 1926 in Havana, Ark. He was one of nine brothers and sisters who grew up on a farm in the Great Depression. Steward was inducted into the Army and served in combat during World War II. He was in the Phillipines and later in the occupation of Japan. After the service he settled in Texas where he worked in the oil fields. His oil work brought him to Southern California where he met his wife of 30 years, Margaret. He got a job working for the Downey Unified School District while Margaret worked as a nurse at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital. They adopted a girl, Cindy, and lived in Downey. He and his wife retired due to Margaret's illness. She died in 1982. Steward is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Brian Vaugh; grandchildren, Samuel and Maxwell Vaughan; brother and wife James and Harriet Steward; sister and husband Molly and Tom Tate; sister-in-law Vi Steward; life partner Eskie Guevarra and her children and grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Steward; brothers, Wayne Jack, George, John and Bobby Steward; and sister, Nell Merin. A memorial service will be held Monday at First Baptist Church of Downey, 8348 3rd St.

********** Published: June 23, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 10