Chris Stewardson

I, Christopher (Chris) Byrd Stewardson, have accepted Gods plan for me on August 18th, 2026 after a long and hard-fought battle with colon cancer. Once I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, in November 2025, Jennifer told me I needed to write my own obituary, so these words are mine.

I was born on June 22, 1962 in Richmond, Virginia, to James Byrd Stewardson (1931–2018) and Janet Shelton Stewardson Smith. I was the grandson of Jimmie Meace Shelton and Irma Elliott Shelton, and Harry Falsome Stewardson and Mary Elizabeth Childress Stewardson.

I am survived by my wonderful, supportive and beautiful wife of 36 years, Jennifer Stewardson; my two extraordinary children, Deanna Scott (David) and Cameron Stewardson; the world’s greatest mother, Janet Smith; and my two awesome sisters, MaryBeth Marion (Jim) and Carrie Stewardson, along with lots of nieces and nephews. God truly blessed me with a wonderful family and so many others in my journey. I’ll miss you all until we meet on the other side.

Thinking of how to summarize one’s life on paper is tough. Try it sometime and you will see.

I grew up in a loving household in rural Rockville, Virginia where I was blessed to have a life without all this crazy bullshit that is going on in the world today. A simple existence where you could appreciate the world in ways that were not overrun by social media, cell phones and constant pressure from societies that really had no existence at the time. Sure, we had our challenges but as close-knit, hardworking community with close family, neighbors, friends and church ties, we survived and grew stronger out of it.

Raised in a household with strong ethics and a solid foundation of love, we didn’t want for much. I was happy and free to grow up with opportunities to enjoy nature as it was intended by hunting and fishing with my dad and friends. We built tree houses, rode bikes with freedom, skateboarded and our family even had a zip line in the backyard. I loved camping and we really had it made when my dad bought an old bus and converted it into an RV for us. Such good memories.

Though these early years helped mold my core ethics, survival and mechanical skills, little did I know that what was ahead would really shape and decide my future.

My parents divorce opened the door for even greater opportunities and life lessons that inspired me to see past the redneck that I had become and to open my eyes for bigger and better things in life.

During this time, I was also diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease which became a daily challenge for the rest of my life. At that time there were minimal treatment opportunities, so I had to accept the pain, anxiety and embarrassment that came with this.

I started working at the age of 15 at a gas station where there was no self-service. Left there and took a job at Best Products Distribution Center loading trucks and eventually ended up in their forest retail showroom in town. From there, I began working for ChemLawn which eventually gave me a vision to take a risk and work for myself as a landscaper throughout the 80’s and 90’s.

Jenn and I met on a blind date and married in 1990. Three years later Deanna came along and blessed our lives even more. In 1994 I walked away from being self-employed and took a job in a machine shop as a machinist apprentice, which I really enjoyed. It was not until October of 1997 that I found my true career, at Alfa Laval Inc.

I spent the rest of my work life working my way up through the company that gave me the greatest opportunities I could ever imagine. Alfa Laval allowed me to travel internationally and gain close friends all over the world. These friends became my extended family, and I have been truly blessed to find a career where I was respected and able to make a difference. I really loved being in Sweden or other parts of the world multiple times per year and always looked forward to the experience. Love you guys and thank you for all the great times!!!

In 2001 we took a chance and relocated to Indianapolis for my job, and I knew this would open the door for another passion of mine, the automotive culture. As the racing/car capital of the world, this really was a true calling for me. The Midwest culture was inviting and once we were here, it was truly home.

In 2004, Jenn and I got a real surprise! His name was Cameron!!! We were told years prior that another kid was not going to happen, but God blessed us even more with his arrival. He has blessed our lives in so many ways and he and Deanna were sole focus over the years. Such a joy to see these two kids grow into outstanding young adults making it easy for Jenn and I to be parents. They have become my rocks through all this cancer bullshit and have seen more than they need to of the suffering and pain that comes with it. I love you two, so much. Words will never be enough to show it.

Since I was a kid, I have loved cars, hot rods, racing in all forms. Indy was the place to be. Since my first car, I have always customized each one to my liking and always enjoyed the mechanical challenges for modifications. My passion grew further in my later years giving me the chance to be a part of the local street car scene cruising with my cartoon inspired 1958 Morris Minor Gasser. This hobby also gave me the chance to work with great friends over the years building custom hot rods, trucks, flipping cars and utilizing my creative and mechanical skills. Truly blessed to have had this opportunity in life. Thanks Fellas! Whip a shitty and do a burnout for me!!!

In September 2021, I had my 3rd bowel resection for my Crohn’s disease. What we expected to be a simple repair job on my digestive system turned out to be the start of my journey with cancer. It was removed and I went through 6 rounds of chemo to kill off any remaining systemic cells. It stayed quiet for just over 4 years and came back with a vengeance in November 2025. We knew this battle would be a hard one and there was no cure, just a way to buy time and hope for a miracle.

We all know the ending as I gave it my all. Gods plan for me is taking over from here and my spirit moves on to a better place.

It’s time for me to say so long for now and know that I will miss all of you. I have led a blessed life, just a little bit shorter than I had hoped for.

Love you all, Chris

A Celebration of Life will be planned for later this fall.

In lieu of flowers we would like donations to go to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/