Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Ronnie Bruce, "Ron," Steward, 79, of East Berlin, PA, entered the next realm at his home on December 12, 2018 after a prolonged illness. Ron was born October 11, 1939 in Anthony, KS to William Bruce and Freda Elizabeth (Parker) Steward. Prior to attending college, he worked on his parents' and grandparents' farms in Harper County, KS and Alfalfa County, OK.

He Graduated from Anthony High School in 1957. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in mathematics and secondary education from Franklin College in Franklin, IN. In addition, he received a Master's Degree in business administration from Florida State University.

Ron joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and attended Officer's Training School. Ron logged 5,200 flying hours as a Master Navigator in the C-124 "Globemaster," the RB-57C, a high-altitude RB-57F reconnaissance aircraft, and the EC-47 "Electric Goon." He logged 114 combat sorties in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He last served as an Aircrew Flight Commander on the E-3A AWACS aircraft. His military education included: Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. The Air Force awarded Ron the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Air Medal (eight oak leaf clusters), Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Ron retired from military service after 24 years after his final assignment as the Director of Personnel Data Systems, HQs Air Force Military Personnel Center, where he managed a worldwide personnel services network that served the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and the Air National Guard.

His subsequent career spanned 18 years as Program Manager for multiple Government computer systems integration projects for the Planning Research Corporation (PRC), Litton Industries, and Northrop Grumman.

On December 27, 1967, Ron married his wife, Barbara Elaine Rowe. They spent the next 20 years as a military couple.

In 1971, they became the parents to a son, William Bruce Steward, II who married Debra Kaye Krantz in 1993.

In 1996, they became the proud grandparents to Patrick Aaron Steward with whom they shared many summers. Ron fondly called Patrick his Pard'ner and they travelled together frequently so that Patrick could meet distant family members and cousins in support of Patrick's love of genealogy.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Steward, on June 15, 2013 when she succumbed to leukemia.

He is survived by his son, William Steward (Debra), grandson, Patrick Steward, all of East Berlin, PA, his sister, Regina Brandfas (Butch) of Rogers, AR; his mother-in-law, Lois Rowe (age 103) of New Oxford, PA and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Forest Park Cemetery (S Santa Fe Rd, Anthony, KS).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc. (1117 Country Club Road Camp Hill, PA 17011), and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.