A true man of service
Church recognizes Stewart for military, community efforts

Sgt. Waymon Stewart and wife Brenda

Waymon Stewart was the man of the hour Saturday, as members of his church held a parade and ceremony in his honor.

The former Whitehouse school board trustee and president returned safely from a year's duty in Iraq this past November and served as grand marshal for the Community Church of God's celebratory event.

Following the parade of soldiers, humvees, dignitaries, classic cars, motorcycles and horses, a short ceremony was held at the City Park pavilion.

Whitehouse city councilman and mayor protem Dale Moran presented a proclamation to Sgt. Stewart, acknowledging his service to country and community.

"I, Dale E. Moran, on behalf of the citizens of Whitehouse, the mayor and city council, honor Waymon Stewart on this special occasion and hereby recognize him for his accomplishments and outstanding example to our posterity," read Moran. "He continues to serve his Lord, family, community, country and many local organizations with love, leadership and distinction as a true citizen of our community and a patriot of the United States; wherefore, we are all proud to call him 'friend.'"

Stewart served actively in the Army for four years and then was a reservist for 26 years. He received his Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and serves as the chief executive officer of the Andrews Center, a non-profit, comprehensive mental health and mental retardation center in Tyler. Stewart is also an assistant pastor at CCoG and has served five years as president of the church's board of trustees. He was a member of the Whitehouse school board for 15 years, including two as president.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dale Moran gives Sgt. Stewart a proclamation from the City of Whitehouse, acknowleding his serivce to country and community. The Community Church of God's board organized Saturday's parade. Board members pictured are Addie Pettigrew, Ada Ervin, Eddie Ray, Deloris Pettigrew, Doris Daniels, Betty Mackey and Dennis Mackey. Mrs. Pettigrew (second from right) spoke at the ceremony and asked the public to remember "all those who have shed blood for us, and those who are still shedding blood for us." She urged those in attendance to remember all soldiers and veterans in their prayers.