Clarence Stevens

ATKINS, VIRGINIA: CLARENCE A. "STEVE" STEVENS, age 72, went to be with his Lord, Monday, August 30, 2004, in Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, Tennessee. Born November 14, 1931 in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to the late Nelson and Arizona Gaines Stevens; he was very athletic and earned letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. At the age of 17 he tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team but found he was too young to be accepted. He served in the United States Army Special Services in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Steve was a dedicated Christian from the age of 15. He helped to establish the Wounded Knee Indian Missions First Church of God in South Dakota. He attended Bible College in Gordon, Nebraska, and Anderson Theological Seminary in Anderson, Indiana. He served as chairperson for building committees for the Marion First Church of God, Atkins First Church of God, and Wytheville First Church of God. He retired from Sears after 35 years of service and enjoyed farming, sports, and antiques. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Leona H. Stevens of Atkins, Virginia. Three beloved daughters and one son-in-law, Dianna Lynn Stevens of Atkins, Virginia; René S. Rowland of Groseclose, Virginia; and Tabatha and Michael Seymore of Rural Retreat, Virginia. Two precious granddaughters, Olivia Mae Seymore and Myra Michelle Seymore. Three sisters, Marjorie Gingles and Leta Bandt both of Phillipsburg, Kansas; and Martha Vernon of Gaffney, South Carolina. Two brothers, Vaughn M. Stevens of Beloit, Kansas, and Leland O. Stevens of Christiansburg, Virginia. A former son-in-law, Mike Smith of Marion, Virginia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 2, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Donn Sunshine and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Entombment will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Wytheville First Church of God, P.O. Box 874, Wytheville, Virginia, 24382.