Alan Read Stewart
February 8, 1946 ~ February 9, 2007
Alan R. Stewart, 61, of Victoria and formerly of Leakey & Odessa, died Sunday February 9, 2007 at Methodist Hospital In San Antonio after a short illness. Alan was born the son of James C. Stewart and Ola Maude (Read) Stewart on February 8, 1946 in Sidney, Nebraska. In 1963, He graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968 as an Intelligence Analyst in Thailand. On October 28, 1967, he married Karen A. (Geistfeld) Stewart in Des Moines, IA. Upon Alan's departure from the Army (January 1978), he moved to Canyon, Texas to attend West Texas State University. Alan (1968) became a police officer for the City of Canyon while attending WTSU. In 1970, Alan moved to Albuquerque, NM to attend the Albuquerque Police Academy. He graduated three months later as Valdictorian of the Graduating Police Academy. While working as a Police Officer in Albuquerque, he was approached by the Canyon Police Chief offering him the Lt. position on the Canyon Police Dept. Upon the removal the Chief of Police in 1971, was approached by several City Counsel members to apply for the Chief of Police. Being chosen the Chief of Police of Canyon at the young age of 26, the youngest Chief of Police in Texas. He attended the FBI National Academy, 96th Session, Washington, D.C. 1974. After graduating from the FBI Academy, he returned to Canyon to receive his Bachelor of Sience Degree in 1975, all during his tenure as Chief of Police of Canyon. Other degrees included Associate of Arts, Amarillo College 1972, Bachlor of Arts at West Texas State University 1975, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School, Washington, D.C. 1985 and his Masters from the University of Texas Permian Basin. He then became the Chief in Plainview between 77-81 before finishing his career in Odessa. Alan Read Stewart became officially the 9th Chief of Police of the City of Odessa on August 17, 1981. He was a very innovative and progressive leader that implemented numerous and highly positive changes from a personnel, operation and structural standpoint. He set a professional tone and his vision prepared this department to face the challenges of that period and paved the way into the 21st century. His many accomplishments included the increase in personnel resources, modernization of outdated equipment and methods, and revamping the pay structure for all employees. He created a professional work environment where everyone was trained to better serve the citizenry. He accomplished that task by appointing 3Deputy Chiefs to provide leadership and guidance over the crucial daily activities, he motivated many to take advantage to further their careers through attendance at institutions of higher education and advanced training. In addition, he was the first Chief to establish a K-9 unit, a chaplains program and an Internal Affairs Section in the department's history. During his service in our city the department moved from an inadequate and obsolete structure to the present day facility. He was a mentor and many Chief of Police positions within the State of Texas were filled by former employees of the OPD. When he retired on December 31, 1991 he left a well trained and progressive organization in place that his successors could build on.
He is survived by: Wife Karen of Victoria, Texas Son, Ryan Stewart, grandson, Breaden of Dallas, Texas Son Clint Stewart, daughter-in-law Sara, grandson Tate of Dallas, Texas Daughter, Jeanine Stewart of Houston, Texas Brother, Ken Rogers of Bandera, Texas Sister, Iris Wells of Loveland, CO
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saterday February 24th 11:00 A.M. at Leakey Floral Cemetery in Leakey, Texas. Immediatelly following the service, there will be gathering at United Methodist Church in Leakey, Texas.
Info for Flower and Donation request: Leakey Floral and Gifts 830-232-4555 Donations Frio Canyon EMS P.O. Box 803 Leakey, TX 78873
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karen I was very shocked at the news of alans passing and want you and the family to know he meant a lot to me as a friend and boss.it was through him that i was able to attain several milestones in my carear.He will be missed.