It is with deep sadness that the family of John D. Stewart announces his passing at the age of 89.

John will be lovingly remembered by his eternal companion, Carol Magleby Stewart, and their four children: Vicki Clarke (Brad), Jeff (Julie), Julie Donohue (Steve), and Randy (Jen). He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

Life and Legacy

Born February 12, 1935, in Loa, Utah, and raised in Aurora, Utah. On December 23, 2024, John had a joyous reunion with many he loved. He was predeceased by his parents, John Riley Stewart and Mayda Christensen; and all his siblings: Avil Eugene Stewart, Lorene (Thompson), Marva Dawn (Cowley), Gordon Leroy Stewart, Caroline (Hawley), and Roger Maurice Stewart; and his grandson, Danen Ihaia Clarke.

John was patient, kind, and humble. He was always measured with his emotions, and nothing seemed to bother him. His family learned to build and explore how things worked because he encouraged learning. He always had a project going on whether it was a mess of car parts from his sons or constructing the perfect rock for the yard. He was genuinely interested and cared for other people and showed his love for them by remembering something unique to them. His children and grandchildren's friends felt like they had a second grandfather because he treated them with that same warmth and kindness. Anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with John left his presence uplifted. He truly emulated the light of Christ. John dedicated his life to family, service, and a remarkable career. His work included Director of the Nuclear Emergency Response Team, Test Controller, and Director of the Nevada Test Site.

Early Years and Education

John graduated from North Sevier High School in 1953, his yearbook, ironically called the senior class the "Atomic Age–53," with a picture of an atom bomb mushroom cloud. That same year, he married Carol, and they were later sealed in the Manti Temple on June 7, 1955. He began studying Soil Sciences at Utah State University, where he worked as a lab technician. His early research explored salt content in water, a precursor to his lifelong dedication to science.

Career Highlights

● 1958-1960: Hired by General Electric at the Hanford Nuclear Plant, Richland,

Washington, where he co-authored groundbreaking research presented internationally.

● 1961-1963: Conducted graduate studies and research at UCLA, focusing on nuclear

medicine and fallout studies.

● 1963-1969: Worked as a radiochemist/health physicist at the Nevada Test Site.

● 1969-1974: Joined the Department of Energy as an Operations Officer, later becoming

the NEST Pacific.

● 1974-1984: Chief, Operations Branch. Responsible for planning, developing, and

executing projects and programs at the Nevada Test Site.

● 1985-1988: Served as Director of Test Operations and Test Controller at the Nevada Test

Site, overseeing the final atomic bomb detonations, including international collaborations

under the Glasnost initiative.

● 1988-1994: Served as Director of the Nevada Test Site Office. Responsible for all

contractors and served as test controller for underground nuclear tests. He managed all

operations at the 1,350 square-mile Nevada Test Site.and the Tonopah Test Range. He

was one of only three individuals in the US qualified to carry out nuclear weapons testing

at that time.

Later Years

After retiring in 1994, John designed and built his family home in St. George with his son Randy. John and Carol served a 14-year mission at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the St. George Bishop's Storehouse and Cannery. He also worked in the St. George Temple.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, UT 84770. A viewing will be held Friday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie drive, St. George, Utah.

The Stewart family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and loved John and Carol throughout their life and especially during these final years.

John Stewart Funeral Service Program