Harl Stevens' Obituary
Harl (Jay) Stevens, age 87 of Centerville, Iowa died April 2, 2008 at Centerville Nursing and Rehab.
Jay was born December 28, 1920, the son of Harvey and Daisy (Coe) Stevens in Appanoose County, Iowa. He married Ruth Grindle June 21, 1942 in Unionville, Missouri. Jay entered the military service in October of 1942 and served his country in the United States Air force for three years. He served in World War II and was also an aircraft mechanic, which included rebuilding engines for the Air force. Jay worked for Elliot Electric in Centerville, Iowa for many years in which he maintained the equipment and supplies for the company. He was a firefighter with the Centerville Fire Department for thirty six years. During his fire service career, Jay attended the fire school academy at Iowa State University in Ames in order to maintain a high level of firefighter certification. He was also a regional instructor in fire training for several fire departments in Southern Iowa. Jay was a member of the Shooter's Club, a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW, and he was a member of the Iowa Fireman's Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and genealogy. Jay traced his family history to the Civil War period.
Jay is survived by his wife Ruth Stevens of Centerville, Iowa; a son Larry (Janet) Stevens of El Paso, Texas; three grandchildren, Douglas (Nora) Stevens of Horizon City, Texas, Jeffrey (Merideth) Stevens of El Paso, Texas, and Robert (Sara) Stevens of El Paso, Texas; five great grandchildren, Tiffiny Drew Stevens of Horizon City, Texas, and Keenan, Floyd, Scott, and James Stevens all of El Paso, Texas; and a sister Arlie (Duane) Stenberg of Stillman, Illinois. Jay was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Gerald Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. A visitation will be held Friday from 9 AM until 8 PM at the funeral home with the family present from 6-8 PM that evening. A memorial has been established to the Centerville Fire Department and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.
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