 He was a local group leader of the Quiet Birdmen for 32 years and chairman of the national executive committee for two years 

While racing cars, involvement in the early days of barefoot water skiing, and even black-tie parties he earned the nickname of "Barefoot Stew" and a reputation for vigorously independent thinking
He was the biological father of biologist George M. Church at MacDill Air Force Base in 1954.He was director and master of ceremonies of the Water Ski Show at the San Antonio 1968 HemisFair.He was inducted into the Water Skiing Hall of Fame in 1992.