Dr. Earl Henry Stevens, age 90, passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Miles City on December 3, 2010 from natural causes. He was born May 24, 1920 in Miller, Nebraska to Elmer T. and Hazel Belle (White) Stevens Pollock.
Earl met and married Lucy Eileen Estabrook on April 27, 1942 in Bryon, Texas. Earl attended Texas A&M and graduated in 1943 and had multiple college courses through extension services to further his education. After graduation from college, Earl joined the United States Air Force in 1943. He earned his professional degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine where he worked as a veterinarian while serving. Earl retired with Honors in 1965 as Lt. Col., after serving 22 years. He later was employed as a state meat inspector in 1965 and in 1967 worked as a federal meat inspector until his retirement in 1981.
Earl had many hobbies. He was a lifelong Mason with the Masonic Lodge, a leather crafter and dabbled in ceramics. He was very talented gardening and became a Certified Master Gardener in 1991. Earl also was an active member of the senior citizens center in Sequim, WA and was a Deacon and Elder within the Christian Church where he also taught Sunday school. Earl also volunteered as an adult leader for the Cub Scouts for many years.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lucy; his parents; and a grandchild, Diane Stevens. He is survived by his children, Earl H. (Vivien) Stevens, II of Las Cruses, NM, Michael Stevens of Mesa, AZ, Patrick (Tammy) Stevens of Wilmington, NC, Susan (Doug) Brown of Helena, MT, Sylvia Stevens (Stan Strom) of Helena, MT, and Rachel (Eliud) Alayon of Hialeah, FL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2010 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Local arrangements are in the care of Retz Funeral Home. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Earl, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Ted & Bonnye Ruttenbur says
Earl Stevens Family,
We just knew when we did not receive our first holiday card this year from Doc. Something had happened. We have
fond memories of Doc and Lucy while they lived in Dillon, and we visited them and Rachel and spent a night in Squiem in later years. Doc was a great federal inspector and after Ted left Roberts Packing and went out on his own Silo Meats he still kept in contact. My son age 35 still carries a wallet Doc made for us for him, and it is worn thin, but such fond memories…
We appreciate the family putting the obit in the Dillon Tribune.
Hold your memories close to your hearts. Our sympathies to all.
J Nunnally says
I am sorry to learn about the death of Earl Henry Stevens. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: James 4:14, John 6:35-40, 44 and John 11:25, 26.