Born: Jan. 21, 1928

Died: June 13, 2013

 

ELKHART, Ind. — John W. Stevens, 85, of Elkhart, and formerly a long time resident of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest on June 13, 2013 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, after an illness.

John was born Jan. 21, 1928 in River Park, South Bend, the son of Charles Albert and Annabelle (Vanderwalker) Stevens. John has lived in the Michiana area all of his life.

John entered into the US Army and was released as a Sgt., having been given the WW II Victory Medal. John was an electrician, and worked for American Coach in Cassopolis, Studebakers, and retired from South Bend Lathe.

While living in Edwardsburg, John was a member of the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, serving as trustee and eder. Most important, John was a devoted “care giver” to his family, his church, his community, his fellow workers, and this includes the animals that were in his care, or around him.

John was married to his first wife, Oct. 3, 1947 in the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, to Agnes C. Feagler, and she passed on May 18, 1989. John then married for the second time on Oct. 12, 1991, in Goshen to Esther (Miller) Balyeat, and she passed on Jan. 31, 2010. Surviving are John’s children; Ethel (Stanley) Ramsey of Elkhart, and Gayle (Ken) Sparks of Kalamazoo, and John (Marsha) Stevens of Plainwell  and Bryan (Michelle) Stevens, of Versailes, Ky. There are three step-children; Diana (James) Everett of Bristol, Ind., Karen (Dwayne) Thompson of Elkhart, and Dan (Sue) Balyeat of Indiana Lake, Ind. There are six grandchildren, six step- grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren and several step- great- grandchildren. John is survived by a brother Ernest (Laverne) Stevens of NC.

Family who have passed, are his parents, his wives, four sisters; Hazel Graham, Ruth, Erma, and Wilma. The last three were infants. Also his four brothers; Kenneth, Robert, James, and Charles.

Family and friends may gather Tuesday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, 68961 Lake St., Edwardsburg, where the Service of Remembrance will begin at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Scott Scheel, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will follow at the Edwardsburg Cemetery with the United States Army Honor Guard playing TAPS and folding the Flag.

Memorial Donations may be directed to the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 4, Edwardsburg, MI  49112-0004, The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care 2901 E. Bristol, Elkhart, IN 46514 or The Elkhart County Humane Society, 54687 CoRd 19, Elkhart IN 46516.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.