Ralph F. “Dusty” Stewart
Ralph Forrest “Dusty” Stewart, Jr., 91, resident of Dickinson, Texas passed from this life November 28, 2021. He was born September 22, 1930 to parents Ralph Forrest Stewart, Sr. and Ruby Agnes (Gill) Stewart in Cooper, Texas.
Dusty was a world class musician, winning the World Championship for Steel Guitar Player in 1976. He was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame in four cities across the United States. Dusty played with Hank Thompson in the late 40’s and early 50’s. He played in the house band at the Stardust Club in Odessa, with Hoyle Nix in the West Texas Cowboys band in Big Spring, Texas Brew band, Southern Way band and various other Houston bands including the original River Road Boys. In addition, he played with his long-time friend Buck Sloan and the Buck Shots.
Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the Korean war.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Virginia (James) Stewart; sister, Patricia Ann Hartman and brothers, Joe Henry Stewart and Dennis C. Williams.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughters, Rita Ochoa and husband, Joe and Reva Jo Hebert; sister, Carolyn Lirette and husband, Ronnie, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren.
In his honor a visitation will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 9:00 am at Crowder Funeral Home Chapel in Dickinson, Texas. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 am.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Chris Owen, Marty Owen, Dusty Hebert, Jerry Hart, Matt Simpson and Brandon Simpson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, the Parkinson Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org
Just letting you know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time just know he is happy again with his family in heaven and in no more pain. Rest in peace Dusty
My thoughts and condolences to the Stewart family during this time.
I had the honor of sharing many a stage with him performing on the Opry circuit. One of the best steel guitar players that I’ve ever met!
I’ll never forget or take for granted all the kind conversations that we shared throughout the years.
Rest well, Dusty.
RIP Dusty Stewart, I was just a toddler or preschool age child when you played Steel for my Mother( Rosa Jericho Bowen’s Brother Smilin’ Jerry Jericho) in and around Houston/ And here in The Southwest. Not only were you a great musician you played Funny Man to my Uncle plau8ng the Straight Man. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Adell and their two kids, Daughter Jerry Lynn & son, Gary Wayne Jericho were crazy about you as were all of the rest of us. Uncle Jerry passed from COPD in 1993 & Aunt Adell about 10 years later…followed by Gary Wayne Jericho in 2011 followed by Jerry Lynn in 2019. I appreciate how much of your time you devoted to my generation…never being too busy to play with us or you and Uncle Jerry And cousin John Bush Shinn III( Johnny Bush) letting my generation cut their teeth while tagging onto your coattails. My hubby John Frencg never got to meet you but has heard tales. I bet you and Uncle Jerry And Jerry Lynn and Bush and Hank Thompson and others are playing up a storm and eating my mom Rosa Jericho Bowens famous scratch biscuits with Aunt Adells soul food. Love, Sandra Kay Jericho Bowen Shumaker French & Family