Bill Stevens

Bill was born on November 29, 1925, in Greeley, Colorado. He was the son of Roy Stevens and Lusena (Miller) Stevens and attended Nowata High school. Bill was a WWII vet. He enlisted in the United States Navy in January of 1945, and served aboard the USS Munda Bay CVE-104 baby flat-top aircraft carrier as a Watertender Second Class. The Munda participated in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign shuttling supplies and transporting wounded from Iwo Jima. He was awarded one Gold Battle Star, a Victory Medal, and the American Area Campaign Metal. Bill and Allene Briggs were united in marriage on April 22, 1947 at Independence, Kansas, and they made their home in Nowata. He retired from Reda Pump on December 13, 1985 after 37 years. He helped build the pump that Reda donated for national display in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Bill raised purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle for 15 years, winning many First Place and Grand Champion awards at livestock shows. One of his skills was welding, and he built his own livestock trailer, pens and barns. He had a special interest in cars and tractors, and was a proud member of the Delaware Indian Tribe and the VFW. What gave him the most sense of pride in his life were his grandchildren. He loved family gatherings, and sharing stories with one another. He had a strong Christian faith. He was also a spirited OU football fan who was looking forward to the Fiesta Bowl in January. Bill is survived by his wife, Allene of Nowata; one son, Jerry Stevens and wife Pam of Nowata; one daughter, Judy Gerken and husband, Fred of Liberty, Missouri; three grandchildren, Eric Gerken of Liberty, Missouri, Carissa Stevens of Oklahoma City, and Melissa Stevens of Edmond; nieces, Denise Stevens, Pam Maddux and Charlotte Yirsa of Nowata; Janet Fuller of Grove; Marlene Swigart of Choctaw, Shari Sherrick of Bartlesville; nephews, John, Jim and Jake Myers of Nowata, Richard Briggs of Texas City; and many more cousins and friends.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Service Details

Thursday, December 30th, 2010 2:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Memorial Park - Nowata