Lubbock Christian University remembers and celebrates the life and legacy of David Stewart, a 1965 graduate and longtime member of the LCU Board of Trustees, who passed away August 27, 2026.

For more than six decades, the Stewart family has been woven into the story of Lubbock Christian University. The story began with David, who came to what was then Lubbock Christian College and graduated with the Class of 1965, earning an associate degree in psychology. His father, Hardy Stewart, became involved with the college as a parent and began serving on the Board of Trustees in 1968. In the years that followed, the Stewart family’s connection to LCU grew from one generation to the next.

David followed his father’s example of service when he began his own 36-year tenure on the LCU Board of Trustees in October 1987, serving until his retirement from the Board in September 2023.

“David Stewart lived an extraordinary life and leaves behind an incredible legacy of faith. His loss leaves a tremendous void for Sally, his remarkable family, and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving him," said LCU President Scott McDowell. "David exemplified so much of what is right about the Lubbock Christian University community. He received his education here, remained deeply connected to the university, and gave generously of himself to make a lasting impact. We are eternally grateful for the ways he invested in LCU and in the lives of others. Three generations of the Stewart family have received their education at LCU, and through them, David’s legacy will continue. From Grants, New Mexico, to communities across West Texas, the Stewart name is spoken with respect and reverence—a reflection of a family whose faith, character, and commitment have touched countless lives."

David’s connection to LCU began as a student, but it became a relationship that would continue throughout his life. During his college years, David became close friends with classmate, Dr. Steven Lemley, who would later serve as LCU president. Their friendship continued throughout the decades. 

“David Stewart was a rock for his friends, for his family, and for LCU. His loyalty was unquestioned. He was a man of great faith and he listened before he talked. He had wisdom in his role on the Board of Trustees and brought his wonderful perspective on the world. The good he did will go on for generations. He will always be missed!” said Dr. Steven Lemley, LCU president from 1982 to 1993, and his wife, Dr. Emily Lemley.

David and Sally married on January 22, 1966, and together they raised three children, all of whom graduated from LCU: Jonathan Stewart ('90), Joel Stewart ('92), and Rebecca Stewart ('95). Joel continues the family’s tradition of service as a current member of the LCU Board of Trustees.

The Stewart family’s commitment to LCU continued to grow. David’s brothers, Stephen ('73) and Phillip ('77), also attended LCU. Hardy’s brother, Bob, and his wife, Faye, also sent all three of their children to LCU.

Together, the families of Hardy and Bob Stewart have created an extraordinary legacy at LCU. Across their extended families, 36 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spouses have attended Lubbock Christian College or Lubbock Christian University.

For David, faith and service extended well beyond the University. The couple served the Grants Church of Christ for more than 50 years. David taught Bible classes, and served as a deacon and later as an elder for 37 years.

David often spoke about the impact Lubbock Christian College had on his faith. His grandson, Dr. Keegan Stewart, said David especially remembered the influence of longtime Bible teacher K.C. Moser and how Moser helped shape his understanding of God’s grace.

“Lubbock Christian College was a catalyst in our Grandaddy’s life. He often spoke about the impact that K.C. Moser had on him, and in turn his faith. His new understanding of God’s grace helped shape the foundation that he led our family from. What a blessing! It’s an honor to still serve and be connected to an institution that has blessed our family richly,” said Dr. Keegan Stewart ('19), LCU Advancement Officer and Chief of Staff, continuing the family’s connection to the University in a new generation.

In 2025, David and Sally moved from Grants, New Mexico, to Lubbock to be closer to their family. They became members of Monterey Church of Christ, bringing their decades of faith and service into a new community and living closer to the University that had been part of their family’s story for more than 60 years.

When David retired from the Board in 2023, the LCU Board of Trustees honored him with a resolution expressing its “heartfelt admiration and deepest appreciation” for his long and faithful service. The resolution recognized that a member of the Stewart family had served on the LCU Board of Trustees for more than 55 years and that a member of the family had been enrolled as a student at LCU almost continuously during that same period.

David’s legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, while his five great-grandchildren represent the next generation of the Stewart family. Still young and not yet of school age, they may one day carry the family’s LCU connection forward.

His legacy is not simply measured in the 36 years he gave to the Board of Trustees. It is found in the faith he carried forward, the family he helped build, and the generations who continue to call LCU home.

For the Stewart family, the legacy continues. And for LCU, David Stewart will remain a meaningful part of its story.