(From Whitt Funeral Home)Russell Dean Stewart changed his address from this world to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Russ was born on March 9, 1965, in Duncan, Oklahoma.
Russ was the beloved son of Ernest Ray and Charlotte Ann (Rutledge) Stewart, who preceded him in death. As a child, Russ attended numerous schools before graduating with the Class of 1983 from Marlow High School in Marlow, Oklahoma. His childhood was shaped by ministry, as his family pastored churches in Corum, Terrell, Geronimo, and Marlow, Oklahoma, as well as Sunset and Montague, Texas. From an early age, Russ learned the value of service, faith, and obedience to God's call.
Russ was united in marriage to Sandy Amaya on September 26, 1998, in San Juan Capistrano, California. She survives at the family home. Through the miracle of adoption, Russ and Sandy were blessed with two precious children, Joseph Remington and Sofia Annali, who also survive. Russ was quick to tell anyone who would listen how proud he was to be "Daddy" to Joey and Sofia.
He is also survived by his siblings: Dennis (Helen) Stewart of Comanche, Oklahoma; Roger Stewart of Empire, Oklahoma; and Donna (Larry) Lawson of Webb City, Missouri; one aunt, Joy Kerley of Duncan, Oklahoma; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and Sandy's family, who loved Russ as their own.
As a young adult, Russ had a special heart for senior adults and even made working with them his vocation for a time after relocating to California. When he transitioned into full-time church ministry, he continued that passion as Senior Adult Pastor at Elsinore First Assembly of God in Lake Elsinore, California. He also served as Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor Fred Rodriquez, who mentored Russ faithfully for more than 20 years.
Before marrying Sandy, Russ traveled throughout the South, Midwest, and Western United States, singing and ministering in churches. His ministry left a lasting impression, and many congregations invited him back again and again. Throughout his ministry, Russ also shared his love for worship and music through recording. He recorded three albums, using his voice to minister, encourage, and point others toward Christ.
Russ was creative by nature and had a deep love for musical theater. During his years at Elsinore First Assembly, he was an integral part of the worship team and numerous large theatrical productions produced by the church each year. He was often entrusted with lead roles, a reflection of the spirit of excellence he brought to everything he did.
In February of 2007, Russ and Sandy relocated from California to Duncan, Oklahoma, to begin a new work, now known as Stephens County Worship Center. Even in the face of debilitating illness, Russ never wavered in his calling to grow the Kingdom of God. He preached and sang even when confined to a chair, when his body could no longer stand. His faith remained unwavering; he believed wholeheartedly that God is good and that God still works miracles. No matter where he found himself, at church, in the community, or during one of his many hospital stays, Russ looked for God's purpose and sought to shine the light of Christ. His deepest desire was for all to come to a saving knowledge of his Savior and to spend eternity with those he loved.
Russ was often heard saying, "relationship gives you access," a phrase that reflected the way he lived his life. He genuinely loved people and believed deeply in serving his community wherever he was planted. Through the relationships he built, Russ worked tirelessly to bring people together for a greater purpose. He was instrumental in initiating annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfasts in both Lake Elsinore, California, and Duncan, Oklahoma. These efforts were rooted not in recognition, but in unity, faith, and fellowship. Over the years, his servant heart was graciously acknowledged through honors such as the 2003 Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the 2012 Duncan Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, among other meaningful recognitions. Russ accepted these honors humbly, always redirecting praise to his Heavenly Father and others while remaining focused on what mattered most, people, relationships, and service.
Russ was deeply grateful for the many individuals who supported him and Sandy through the years. Countless friends, family members, and loved ones offered acts of kindness, words of encouragement, generous gifts, and countless prayers. He never took those who stepped up and went above and beyond for granted. He was especially thankful for his Stephens County Worship Center family, who served with them and walked alongside them. He was also profoundly grateful for the many healthcare professionals God placed in his path to care for him.
We celebrate Russ's life knowing it has not ended. It has simply taken on a new and glorious form. His earthly body could no longer serve him, but he is now enjoying the reward laid up for him in Heaven, whole and restored in a brand-new body.
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
- Matthew 25:21
- Matthew 25:21
A Celebration of Life Service for Russ will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Bethel Church located at 700 W Plato Rd., Duncan.
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