Roland Hillman Stewart

CASA BLANCA - Roland Hillman Stewart, 88, a retired postmaster and well-known musician, died on June 16, 2014, at Caring House.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Vah-Ki Presbyterian Church. A celebration of life will begin at 7 p.m. at Vah-Ki Presbyterian Arbor. Pastor Sharon Selestewa and Elder Randy Ruiz will officiate. The graveside service will be early Wednesday in Vah-Ki Cemetery, with Pastor Aaron Johns officiating.

Mr. Stewart was born on April 23, 1926, in Sacaton and was a son of Casper Lewis and Josephine Stewart. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service before retirement and was postmaster in Casa Blanca. He also was a self-taught musician, band instructor at Pima Central School and played in several Native American bands around Arizona.

He played at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. He also sang in the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix, was director of an elders and deacons choir and assistant director of arts and crafts at the Gila River Arts and Crafts Center. He was devoted to his family, a life member of Vah-Ki Presbyterian Church and the church’s pianist.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Verona; two daughters, Karen and Annette Stewart of Casa Blanca; two sons, Durwin and David Stewart of Casa Blanca; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Robert, Ted, Jack and Lebaron Lewis and John Thundercloud, and a sister, Eleanor Pablo.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.