Elex Stewart, a retired Alameda County auto mechanic, passed away on Friday April 28. He was 100 years old.

Stewart was born on Sept. 25, 1922, in Port Hudson, La., the second of the nine children his parents, Eddie and Mary Stewart, brought into the world. He received his high school education at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, LA.

A veteran of the World War II, Stewart continued his education in Oakland, CA, at Heald Business School and Laney Trade School and became a master mechanic.

Employed by Alameda County for over 30 years, he also established his own auto repair business and was a successful property owner.

Stewart married the love of his life, Mary Joyce Stewart, in 1943. Together they raised four daughters, Yvonne, Joyce Ann, Linda, and Apryle.

Stewart was a man of faith and as a member of Allen Temple Baptist Church for over 60 years he contributed to the growth of the church and the community. Stewart was a beloved family man and friend and will be missed by many.

Stewart was preceded in death by his wife, three of his daughters, his grandson Charles, and five of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter Yvonne, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two sisters and a brother.

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Stewart’s family arranged for a celebration of his life at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10 at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland.

William R. Battles was born in Oakland, CA. To Chief Gordon L. Battles USS Navy & Mrs. Martha Battles August 3, 1946 at the Oaknoll Naval Hospital in East Oakland, California.

William was the 3rd child born to the Battles Family that lived on the Naval Base in Alameda.

Mrs. Martha Battles and her 3 children were Members of The Market St. SDA Church, pastored by Elder W. R. Nelson.

William attended Golden Gate Academy, Havens Court Jr. High and he graduated from Fremont High in 1964.

In 1970, Will graduated from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama with a BS Degree in Business Education.

In 1965, Will, along with 3 other Oaklanders that included Post Publisher Paul Cobb, Milton Hare and Fernando Canales, marched for voting rights with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

After a long Illness, Will passed away on May 2, 2023 at the Villa Rancho Barnardo Rehabilitation Hospital in San Diego, California.

April 12 was the 23rd anniversary of the end of watch for Officer Jeffrey Lynn Azuar, Badge #371, who was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.

We salute Officer Azuar for being an amazing father, husband, brother, and colleague!

Officer Azuar is a certified hero, and we honor him and his legacy, today and every day thereafter.

A Statement from Lt. Stephen Darden:

“All, 23 years ago today, one of our brothers, Jeffery Lynn Azuar, Badge #371, was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. I will never forget the sadness of that day and the pain we all endured in the days to follow.

For those very few of us who were here, I am certain the memory of that fateful day is forever burned into our minds and will never be forgotten. I worked with Jeff for 4½ years and back then, I was still considered a “rookie” as I worked alongside the many veteran officers that once filled our ranks. Although I did not interact with Jeff beyond the workplace, other than the department parties he hosted annually, I knew him well enough to know he was a good man.

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Jeff was an extremely proud Vallejo Police Officer who was always sharp in uniform. I remember him always smiling and laughing. It made me value my job even more to see such a senior officer so happy at work.

Once you were hired, he genuinely welcomed you as if you were truly a part of his family. At least, that is how he made me feel. I grew to learn that it wasn’t necessarily the person that prompted the warm reception, but it was the patch on my sleeve. Our patch is heavy with respect and honor because of Jeff and other officers like him.

Jeff spent more time out of his patrol car than he did inside. He knew when to show compassion but also knew when to use force. His relationships were countless throughout our city, which were made evident at the service that was attended by thousands. Also, along with the many heartfelt testimonies that described the many lives he touched.

God Bless and please stay safe!”