Vernon Stevens Obituary

Vernon Stevens SALINA, KS - Vernon McKee Stevens, 99, was born August 8, 1914, in Abilene, Kansas on a farm to Clyde Gary and Deborah "Debby" Kean Stevens. He passed away Monday, August 26, 2013 at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas. Vernon married Marjorie "Jean" Mowery on November 6, 1942, in Salina, Kansas. He graduated from Abilene High School where he was in National Honor Society and then attended Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. While at K-State he received a Baseball Scholarship and lettered three years. While playing baseball he tried out for the Cleveland Browns, a professional team. He served in the United States Army and retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. He owned hardware stores in Solomon and Gypsum, Kansas and was Mayor of Gypsum. After moving to Salina he spent many years selling insurance and real estate. He owned Stevens Insurance Agency, was an Elder and active in First Presbyterian Church, was committed to peace and coordinated a three-year program called the Noon Hour Monitor. He lived by the motto: Peace - "The Best Game on Earth". He was an avid sports fan and especially loved baseball, golf and being a "mascot" to the K-State Girls Basketball team for several years. He was a strong competitor and played handball and golf into his 80's. He exercised daily until health and the doctor forced him to quit. He is survived by three children Linda L. (Gaylord) Hoffman, Pittsburg, Kansas; Jill (Gene) Lundgrin, Charleston, South Carolina; Jack Stevens, Salina, Kansas, a sister Vivian Olsen, Manhattan, Kansas, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His wife and parents preceded him in death. Memorial services will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 31, 2013 in the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church in Salina, Kansas. Memorials may be made to, Harry Hynes Hospice in Pittsburg, Kansas, The American Legion, Elks Club, Military Advisory Council for the Center for Defense Information, Veterans for Peace, or a charity of your choosing. Ryan Mortuary is handling arrangements. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston