Aron Leland Stewart

Aron Leland Stewart, 86, of Waco, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with family by his side.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Morgan Cemetery in Morgan, Texas.

Born and raised in Bosque County, Leland delivered newspapers as a boy, first by bicycle and later on a Cushman scooter. He went on to work in his dad’s automotive garage and welding shop where he developed his welding skills. Those early experiences guided his life’s work and gave him a deep appreciation for doing things the right way - carefully, thoroughly, and with pride.

After graduating from Meridian High School in 1957, Leland began his career as a sheet metal worker and was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association, bringing careful craftsmanship to job sites across Waco and the surrounding areas. After decades in the trade, often traveling with just a toolbox and a lunchbox, he opened Stewart Stainless in 1984 and continued his work with pride and precision, ultimately retiring in 2002 after 45 years in the industry.

When recently asked what he was proudest of in his life, without hesitation Leland answered, “My grandkids!” He loved his family deeply and it showed in the way he listened. He had a steady way of making people feel seen. Any time you visited with him, you always felt what mattered to you, mattered to him. Even if he already knew your latest news or accomplishment, he’d gently draw you into telling the story yourself - because he genuinely wanted to hear it in your own words.

Above all else, he loved his “Janie.” He spoke of her with a softness that never faded, and it was clear she was always close in his heart.

Leland is survived by his children, David Stewart and Debbie Van Cleave; grandchildren, Brittany Van Cleave, Maxwell Stewart, Blake Van Cleave, Logan Stewart, Hannah Lessenger, and Alex Stewart; and great-grandchildren, Kylee, Wesley, Adeline, Bo, and Lyla.

Leland was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandra Stewart; his parents, A.L. and Pauline (Johnson) Stewart; and his brother, Michael Lynn Stewart.

Leland leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him greatly - especially those who called him Papaw.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.