William “Bill” B. Stevenson, 87, of Warren, PA., died Sunday, October 16, 2022, at his residence, after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born July 26, 1935, in Jamestown, N.Y. He was the son of the late Floyd and Beatrice Birchard Stevenson. Bill was raised and educated in Warren, PA. and was a 1953 graduate of Warren High School. He served with the U.S. Navy from January 1955 through 1957. In January 1955 he went aboard the destroyer USS Heermann, out of Newport Rhode Island and served 2 tours in the Mediterranean with his brother, James Stevenson. The highlight of his tour was to be selected to serve on the Honor Guard at Grace Kelly’s Wedding to Prince Rainier in Monaco on April 19, 1956. He was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1961. Bill was employed with the former National Forge Company for 36 years, starting as a draftsman in the engineering department for 10 years and then went into the Marketing department where he was an assistant Marketing Manager until he retired May 31, 1993.
Bill was a 32nd degree Mason with the Joseph Warren Lodge #726, was a member of the Coudersport Consistory. A lifetime member of the North Warren Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and Usher. He belonged to the Cable Hollow Golf Club and played in their men’s league and couple’s league with his wife.
He was also a member of the Warren Eagles Aerie and Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed watching golf, baseball and football. He and his wife, Joann enjoyed golfing and going on vacation with their children and grandchildren and wintering in Florida, where they made many friends.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife, Joann Compher Stevenson whom he married On April 5, 1958 at the North Warren Presbyterian Church, they spent 64 loving years together; 3 Children – Mark Stevenson and wife, Lucy of Jamestown, N.Y. and Michael Stevenson and wife, Mary Ann of Grand Rapids, MI, Julie VanEvery and husband, Roger of Russell, PA; Grandchildren – Mark Stevenson, Jr. and Andrew Stevenson both of Jamestown, N.Y., Joshua Stevenson and wife, Emily, and Jennifer Stevenson all of Grand Rapids, MI., Matthew VanEvery and wife Abbi, of Warren, PA, and Corinne Briggs and husband, Jordan of Russell, PA., Great Grandchildren – Carson, Beckett, and Jaycie Stevenson of Grand Rapids, MI., Madalyn, and Natalie Franklin, of Warren, PA, and Everhett Briggs of Russell, PA., several nieces and nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother James Stevenson.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday October 20, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A funeral and committal service will be conducted on Friday October 21, 2022, at 11:00 am in the funeral home, with Rev. Burfoot “Buddy” Ward, Pastor, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the U.S. Navy and Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through PAWS Along the River, 212 Elm St. Warren, PA 16365 or a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Joann and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
When I was hired at National Forge Company in 1980 as a secretary for the 10-person Marketing Department, Bill was one of my bosses. He was a pleasure to work for and to know as a friend for many years after. We all knew a customer order was ready to load onto the trucks when Bill yelled “Ship It!” Bill so enjoyed his job.
He proudly wore on his sleeve how much he loved his family, enjoyed his evening walks with “Joannie,” and ending his day with a good Manhattan.
It was always a delight when Bill stopped into our store, Warren United News. We would reminisce about the Forge. He always looked so good; it was clear “Joannie” never stopped taking good care of him. Living to age 87, given his serious heart condition, speaks to the kind of care and support she gave him.
It was about a month ago when my son & I last saw Bill at Walmart. He looked wonderful! I was so happy to know he was continuing to do well. We caught up with each other’s lives and parted with big smiles and a big hug.
Bill was a good friend and a good man. I am so glad I knew him. May he rest in peace and your memories bring you comfort during your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Maria Lantz Frontera