Hayden Charles Stewart

Hayden Charles Stewart of San Antonio, TX; died on July 5, 2026 at the age of 82. He became a devoted Christian when he learned about God’s personal and unconditional love and was baptized at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in 1996.

Hayden was born in Pittsburg, PA. His parents and sister relocated to Phoenix, AZ when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Washington High School in Phoenix. In his 20’s, he worked as a produce manager at Safeway, where he met his first wife. They raised 3 children together, but divorced in their 50’s. Hayden worked as a regional sales manager for Wrigley Chewing Gum for 31 years.

Hayden met Donna at Beginning Experience - a ministry for divorced and widowed people. Donna was the joy and love of his life. They were married for 30 years and often said these were the best years of his life. He loved gatherings of the extended family and became an integral part of the lives of Donna’s children and grandchildren.

After he retired, Hayden dedicated his time to serving others. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, in service of hospice patients, and was very active in his church. He was a leader of Stephen Ministry for 20 years at his church. The organization provides a confidential caring ministry for people undergoing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. In addition, he always stepped up to help friends and people from his church in any way he could. When he made friends, they became friends for life. He always kept in touch with his friends and wanted to know what was going on in their lives.

He was the San Antonio chapter President of Friendship Force International, an organization dedicated to fostering goodwill, respect, and understanding between cultures through travel and hosting visitors from abroad. With Friendship Force, he traveled all over the world engaging with the people and enjoying the experiences of other cultures. Each year, he made also a tour of the cities where his children lived, as he always wanted to be close to family.

Hayden’s hobby and long-time passion was playing fantasy baseball and basketball. He played for decades and won league championships 15 times over the years. No matter where he was during baseball season, he was always checking the stats and adjusting his lineup. His love for sports brought him lasting friendships and connections with fellow enthusiasts.

Hayden is survived by his wife Donna Stewart; his sister Judy Stewart; his children and their spouses Betty (Dan) Young, Ann (Brandon) Stewart; Mark (Ellen) Stewart; Donna’s children Bill Schier, John Schier, and Lisa Schwade; 6 grandchildren; and 1 great-grand child.

A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving - with reception following - to honor Hayden’s life at 11am on July 18, 2026 at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 14700 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78232.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

• Abiding Presence Lutheran Church (aplc.org )

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

• Or the charity of your choice