Obituary of Earl L. Stevens

Coffeyville - Earl Lewis Stevens, 81, of Buffalo, KS passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita, KS. He was born April 16, 1928 at Buffalo, KS to Earl and Ida Amelia (Puckett) Stevens. He grew up and attended school in Buffalo graduating from Buffalo High School. Following high school he attended Chanute Junior College. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army from January 1951 until receiving an honorable discharge in January 1953. While in Korea with the Communication Corp he started a hillbilly band, the band played on the Armed Forces Radio and entertained troops. On October 27, 1950 he married Gwendolyn "Gwen" Cutler in Chanute. Following their marriage they made their home in Buffalo. After Earl's discharge from the Army they made their home in Buffalo for a short time before moving to Parsons where they lived for five years until returning to Buffalo. His wife preceded him in death on December 28, 2007. Earl was employed as a Fire Captain at the Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons for over 30 years retiring in 1993. Music was always a part of Earl's life, he played with the Starlighters band for many years, playing for dances almost every Saturday night. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Chanute. Survivors include three daughters, Diana (Lonny) Allen of Independence, Brenda (Dean) Smith of Buffalo, Sharon (Mark) Jones of Cherryvale; one son, Kevin Stevens of Sallisaw, OK; three sisters, Lois Sell of Wichita, Thursa Braman of Chanute, and Juanita May of Owasso, OK; twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sons, Larry Ray Stevens and Allen Lane Stevens; and one grandson, Justin Allen. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009 in the First Christian Church in Chanute (102 North Grant St.) with Pastor Tom Eastman officiating. Burial will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post in Chanute. Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Mary 27, 2009 at the First Christian Church in Chanute, the family will receive friends during this time. The family suggests memorials to the Buffalo Cemetery Fund; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.