John Stevens

John David Stevens was born in Wilburton, Oklahoma on July 30, 1918. His parents, Roy and Williams Stevens moved to Limestone County, Texas in 1921 and settled in the Datura community, near Coolidge, Texas where David grew up. He met Ruth Bayless when a teenager and they were married on April 5, 1941, behind the meat market in the old Cooper's grocery. David joined the National Guard in 1940, and when the 36th Division was mobilized he went into active duty. He was sent to North Africa in April of 1943, where he took part in the battle of Anzio and subsequent encounters. He was discharged in June of 1945, returning to his wife and home in Mexia. David worked at various occupations in the area, including the Cotton Mill, a meat cutter for Dawson's grocery and Futorian Furniture Company, finally going to work at the Mexia State School where he worked until his retirement in 1980. David was an avid gardener and his efforts were often a community showplace. He was very generous with produce, often sharing his bounty with family, friends and neighbors. David was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church n Mexia. Mr. Stevens is survived by his wife, Ruth of nearly 65 years, By four sisters - Isabell Walker of Frankston, Robbie Reinhard of Denison, Mary Emma Wofford of Henderson and Betty White of Mexia. One Brother - Robert Stevens of Coolidge and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe Lynn Stevens and Jimmy Horace Stevens and one sister, Anne Meredith. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 2 pm in the Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia with Bro. Rick Gray and Bro. James Hooper officiating. Interment will be in the Point Enterprise cemetery. Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Monday evening at Blair-Stubbs funeral home.