May 4, 1939-August 2, 2026

Stewart J. Stout passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in August 2026 at the age of 87. Born in Arkansas and raised in Texas, finally settling in Clear Lake Shores, Texas where the water, boats, and close-knit community perfectly suited his independent spirit.

As a boy, Stewart fished in Clear Lake and mischievously helped generate work for his father’s sign business by shooting out neon signs with a BB gun so his father could repair them. In high school, he played football, studied commercial art, competed in rodeos, and broke horses—pursuits that reflected the courage, humor, creativity, and self-reliance he carried throughout his life. During those years, he also developed a lifelong passion for sailing.

After high school, Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After boot camp he was assigned to Sea Duty, then aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington deployed in the Pacific and participating in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis. After he was stationed at Camp Pendleton which sparked an interest in bronco riding, leading him to compete in rodeos in Pendleton, Phoenix, and Houston. After leaving the Marines, he worked in advertising and began submitting cartoons for publication. Restless for a new challenge, he joined the U.S. Army in 1962.

During his Army career, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Korea, and Germany. Stewart completed two tours in Vietnam and served in combat. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star. He also became an accomplished military artist and editorial cartoonist whose work appeared in Stars and Stripes and Army Times. Drawing on the experiences of enlisted service members, his The NCO and Boot Camp cartoons found humor in drill sergeants, basic training, military bureaucracy, and the bonds formed in service. He believed that recognizing the humor in military life could make difficult duty easier to bear. In 1969, he received the U.S. Army Europe Best Cartoonist Award and taught an evening art class for about 40 students while continuing his military duties.

Stewart retired from the military in 1979 after 20 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. The discipline, courage, loyalty, and quick wit shaped by those years remained evident throughout his life. He later published collections of his Boot Camp cartoons, preserving an enlisted Marine’s and Soldier’s view of military life for fellow veterans and future generations.

A gifted local artist, Stewart became part of the character of the Seabrook and Kemah, Texas waterfront community. He hand-painted boat names throughout area marinas and left his artistic mark on familiar gathering places, including T-Bone Tom’s and Skippers. Whether working on a cartoon, a sign, a boat, or a painting, he brought observation, humor, and a distinctly personal touch to every design.

Stewart followed his own path and never met a stranger. Quick with a joke or story and always ready to lend a hand, he greeted others with generosity, humor, and unmistakable individuality. Above all, he cherished his family.

Stewart is preceded in death by his parents, Paul W. and Azlee (Griggs) Stout, and his brothers, Bradley D. Stout and Larry M. Stout. He is survived by Elisabeth Stout; his children, son Stewart A. and wife Amy Stout, daughter Susan and husband Charles Cornelius, and daughter Mary and husband Jason Patterson; his grandchildren, Ashton Stout, Thomas Stout, Tiffany Heard, and Joshua Heard; and his brother, John P. Stout and wife Judi. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, fellow veterans, and all who encountered his art.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Jeter Funeral Home, Friendswood Texas. In keeping with Stewart’s wishes, no formal public services will be held. The family plans to gather for a celebration of Stewart’s life in spring 2027, with details to be shared at a later date. Those who knew him may honor his memory by sharing a favorite story, helping a neighbor, finding humor in a hard day, or spending a quiet day near the water.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org).