Ke’Arre Stewart, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and the father of two girls, was among the three people killed in Friday’s shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, a friend confirmed Sunday.

Stewart, 29, graduated from La Vega High School in Texas in 2004 and joined the Army, said friend Amburh Butler. Stewart was stationed at Fort Hood and did one tour in Iraq.

“He moved to Colorado because he was stationed there, but he stayed because he loved it,” said longtime friend Eric Cross Sr.

Butler, also 29, had been friends with Stewart since they were 11 years old. “He was a stand-up guy,” she said. “If you were hungry, he fed you. If you were cold and needed a ride, he was just there. He was a good friend and an amazing listener.”

Cross knew Stewart since the two were in sixth grade.

“He was the only sixth grader with a goatee,” said Cross, who lives in Texas.

Stewart was a good father and friend, Cross said.

“He loved his daughters to death,” he said. “He would do anything for them.”

Cross described Stewart as a popular man who was loved by all he met. In high school, Stewart was known for his athleticism, playing football, basketball and running track.

“He was smart,” Cross said. “He always wanted the best life had to offer for him and those around him.”

Cross had spoken to Stewart a week ago, he said.

“Even though he had a lot going on, he was still in good spirits,” he said. “He was someone you could just sit and talk to about life. He will be greatly missed.”

Butler said she found out Stewart was among the victims Friday when numerous friends from their high school began texting and calling her. She set up a Go Fund Me account for Stewart to pay for burial expenses in Texas.

“Blood couldn’t make us any closer,” she said.

Jennifer Brown: 303-954-1593, jenbrown@denverpost.com or @jbrowndpost