Stierwalt

Hal McKnight Stierwalt, Sr. was born to Francis Neal McKnight and Henry Brun Stierwalt in Ft. Smith, Ark. on 13 October 1931. He passed 22 August 2014 at the age of 82. Hal graduated from Ft. Smith High School, attended Missouri School of Mines (Missouri A&M) and graduated from Oklahoma State University with bachelor of science in engineering and management. In New Mexico, he was also licensed as a professional engineer. Vigilantly serving his country during the Korean Conflict, Hal was in the Navy.

Hal had a rewarding career that began with Sunray DX where he became the Oil Field Doctor in New Mexico and Texas. Highlights of Hal’s Career include his work in the oil field for improving production, building the first organic industrial chemical plant in US in Corsicana for Jetco Chemicals, leading to vice president, vice president of operations for Serban and culminating as senior vice president of operations for International Oil and Gas. Family was very important to Hal. In 1955, Hal married Betty Dean Gist in Ft. Smith, Ark. Two children were born to Hal and Betty – Mitzi S. Allred of Paoli, Pa. and Hal McKnight Stierwalt, Jr of Fulton. They were raised through New Mexico and Texas until her death in 1977. Hal married Rose Marie Wallace in Rockwall in 1981 adding two daughters to his family, Heather Lanell Carlisle, Ft. Polk, La. and DeAnn Marie Page of Virginia Beach, VA. Hal and Rosie moved to Pittsburg in 1985.

Hal is survived by his cherished wife Rosie of 33 years, four children, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Hal loved to fish and hunt. A special love was the the Gulf Coast especially Port Aransas and Rockport/Fulton areas where he spent his summer and holiday vacations during his youth and adulthood. Hal shared a great smile with twinkling blue eyes and always found the positive in situations and people. His humor, laugh and sparkle will be missed in life and remembered by all.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, 30 August at St. William Laud Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Terry Matthews officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. William Laud Episcopal Church in Pittsburg or Heartsway Hospice in Winnsboro.