August 28, 2011

Captain Marlar E. Stewart (U.S. Navy, Ret.), a resident of Lompoc since 1974, died on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lela R. Stewart, and a son, LCDR Richard K. Stewart and his wife, Gail, of Suffolk, Va.; grandson Nicklas Stewart and his wife Heather; granddaughter Courtney Stewart Drake and her husband David; and a great-granddaughter, Lily Ann Stewart, all of Palestine, Texas. A son, Randall James Stewart, preceded him in death, passing away in 2008.

Marlar was born and raised in San Miguel, Calif., on May 18, 1923, to Herman and Maud Stewart. He attended Paso Robles High School and graduated in 1941. He attended Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) until he entered the Naval Cadet Program. He was commissioned as an ensign and designated as a Naval Aviator in 1943. During his 30-year career he was the executive officer and commanding officer of three jet squadrons and commanded the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, Texas. He fought in three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a captain in 1974. He earned numerous campaign, unit and personal awards including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bronze Stars.

After retiring from the Navy, Marlar and Lela moved to Lompoc and became members of the Village Country Club. They loved to play golf and bridge with friends. Marlar was the Club Champion and was on the Acquisition Committee when the members bought the golf course, and later chaired the Greens Committee.

Marlar will be buried with full military honors in the San Miguel District Cemetery in the family plot. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.