Thomas Worth Stewart

Thomas Worth Stewart was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 30, 1935, and passed away on April 30, 2022, at the age of 86. Tom enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in the City's Del Mar addition with three brothers and three sisters. Summers and weekends were spent on the family ranch near Calallen, fishing, hunting, swimming in the Nueces River, and horseback riding. Many happy times were also spent in his early years at Cole Park, swimming, fishing, and crabbing. Tom attended Menger Elementary School, Wynn Seale Junior High School and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in the class of 1953. This was followed by engineering studies at Del Mar Junior College and later at the University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1957. He then began his engineering career with the Texas Highway Department in Corpus Christi. There he assisted in the design of the City's early expressway system. During this time, he took military leave, serving six months active duty in the Army Reserves. While on active service, he was awarded the medal of “Expert” for his marksmanship on the rifle range. Upon completion of his military training, he returned to his employment with the Highway Department. With the support and recommendation of the District Expressway Engineer, Fagan B. Mason, Tom applied for and was awarded a full graduate fellowship in Transportation Engineering at Yale University. After successful completion of post graduate studies at Yale, Tom was hired by the City of San Antonio to serve as Assistant City Traffic Engineer. While working at the City of San Antonio, he fell in love with Dale McClure. In April 1964, soon after accepting a new position with the City of Corpus Christi as Assistant Traffic Engineer, Tom and Dale were married at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in San Antonio.

After serving the City of Corpus Christi for twenty-five years in the capacities of Traffic Engineer; Director of Traffic, Transit & Streets; and Director of Transportation, Tom retired from the City and completed his career in the private sector as a consulting engineer. He was a Life Member of both The Institute of Transportation Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He served as president of the Corpus Christi Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Nueces Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE). In 1988, he was named “Engineer of the Year” by the Nueces Chapter of TSPE. Tom held an avid interest in civil engineering history and Texana and was a member of the Corpus Christi Historical Society. He was a published author of several history papers dealing with local engineering projects and events. In addition, for over 50 years, he was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee.

Upon retirement, Tom and Dale enjoyed an active life together. They continued to travel both abroad and in the United States. Tom was an avid Texas Longhorn fan, runner, beekeeper, and lifelong fisherman.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dale; two daughters, Elaine Petrulis (Vytas) of Houston, Texas and Claire Nagle (Tom) of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Eva and Rex Petrulis of Houston, Texas and Ellie and Caroline Nagle of Austin, Texas; and his younger brother N.C. (Chuck) Stewart (Ina) of Corpus Christi and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, N.C and Nina Gwartney Stewart; an infant son, Jed Thomas, and his sisters, Nina Russo, Virginia Brady (Gene), Merry Adams and his brothers, Robert Stewart (Anne) and George Stewart (Gay).

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church. Interment to follow at 1:00 pm at Seaside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

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