Clyde Eugene Stevens, age 83, of Huntington, IN, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at 7:30 a.m. at his residence.
Clyde was born on August 19, 1932, in Kirby, Arkansas, the son of Marion Eugene and Mildred Lucille (Ward) Stevens. His parents preceded him in death. Clyde was united in marriage to Helen J. Sell on September 7, 1952 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Huntington. His wife survives.
Clyde graduated from West Union Center High School in 1951. He served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft and engine specialist in the 97th Bomb Wing Refueling Group of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1952 to 1956. His crew was chosen to pull a 100 hour inspection on the Enola Gay as she was flown to Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He earned an Associate Degree in Electronics in 1959 from Purdue University Extension, Fort Wayne, an Associate Degree from DeVry Institute in 1973, and an Associate Degree of Arts from Huntington College in 1980. While a student at Purdue University Extension, he held an interview with Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of the television tube, as one of his projects.
Clyde worked as a technician with The Magnavox Company until 1965. He retired as a Manufacturing Engineer in 1998 from Wabash Technologies after 33 years of service. He then worked part time with Trier Auto Body Parts until September 1, 2013.
He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He held memberships with the Huntington Civic Defense United in the 50’s where he completed 29 hours of special training in the Ko Den Kay System of the American Jiu Jitsu Institute; was a member of the Huntington Jaycees where he was awarded the Outstanding 1st year member, served as Treasurer, was on the Board of Directors, and a Director. He was a member of the Huntington Elks Lodge and served as Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight, Leading Knight, Exalted Ruler and a 5-year Trustee Term. He served two years on the United Way and one year as Minute Man. He was awarded a Citizen Service Citation from the Fort Wayne Police Department at a Fort Wayne Police Department Annual Award Ceremony on September 11, 2006 for the assistance in the capture of a felon. Clyde and his wife were active members of the Hoosier Vintage Thunderbird Club. They taught ballroom dancing for 17 years and were members of the Gala Dance Club along with several other Fort Wayne Dance Clubs. Clyde was an avid golfer, bowler, and loved music. Clyde also enjoyed fishing and made many memories with his wife and friends traveling to Wisconsin for 25 years for a yearly fishing trip.
Survivors include his loving wife and soul mate of 63 years, two brothers, Windell (Rita) Stevens of Kokomo, IN, Gary Lynn Stevens of Copperopolis, CA, step-brother, James (Phyllis) Kendrick of Hartford City, IN; half-sister Nancy (John) Weatherford of Ripon, CA; step-sister, Mattie (Mickey) Wallace of Tuolumne, CA; and a beloved daughter-in-law, Kitty Ruth Stevens Kamm of Kokomo, IN; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kevin Michael Stevens, two brothers, Glen Edward Stevens and Elton DeWayne Stevens
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 860 Cherry Street, Huntington, IN 46750, with Fr. Ron Rieder, OFM Cap presiding.
Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made out to the Cancer Society, Parkview Hospice, or to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com