Submitted by: Dan Rich

Thomas Stevens

April 17, 1949 - July 5, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/9/2008
NEW CARLISLE - Thomas "Tom" Stevens, 59, of New Carlisle, Ind., passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008, in his home. He was born April 17, 1949, in LaPorte, Ind., to Richard G. and Dorothy (Rudolph) Stevens. On October 31, 1992, in Chippewa Falls, Wis., he married Linda Joseph, who survives along with Baby Pooh in New Carlisle. Also surviving are his mother, Dorothy Stevens of Rolling Prairie; two children, Shawn (Sandee) Smith of Granger and Nikki Wood of Evansville; six grandchildren, Lily, Caden, Jasmine, Brennen, Maurice and Tyrelle; four brothers, Robert of Hudson Lake, IN, John (Jill) of New Carlisle, Gary and Michael, both of St. Petersburg, Florida; and two sisters, Susan Truckowski (Lynn Browne) of Mishawaka and Kathy (Tom) Reeder of New Carlisle. Also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Jacob and Katherine Stevens, Carl and Leona Schmuhl; and by a brother, Mark Stevens.

He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and retired from Midwest operating engineers, Local #150, in 2008. He was Senior Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9423 in Rolling Prairie, 2nd Vice Commander American Vets #911 in Rolling Prairie, and Vice President of the Rolling Prairie Conservation Club. In 2004 Tom was presented the "Conservationist of the Year" award by the Indiana Wildlife Federation for his work and leadership role in constructing and maintaining the nature trails behind Rolling Prairie Elementary School. His placement of home-made birdhouses along the trails provided habitat for many species. He supervised the construction of the Rolling Prairie School Memorial and the "Walkway of Honor" located at the site of the old school. Tom loved spending time with his wife Linda and Baby Pooh. He also was an avid drag racer and truly enjoyed the sport. He enjoyed coffee and conversation in the morning with close friends to discuss everything from drag racing to work projects or politics. His passion for spending time with family, friends and fellow club members was second to none. A man of his word - He will be greatly missed by many. He was a complete man.

Arrangements are being handled by the Haverstock Funeral Home. Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m., and will also be held today, July 9, from 9 a.m. until time of service. The funeral service will be today, July 9, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ransom Ebersole officiating. Burial will be at Rolling Prairie Cemetery, Rolling Prairie, Ind. Memorial contributions: American Cancer Society, 601 W. Edison St., Mishawaka, IN 46545; V.F.W. Children's Home, V.F.W. Post #9423 in Rolling Prairie, IN; and the Conservation Club of Rolling Prairie.