Joy 'J.W.' Stevens

Biography

Joy Wilson "J.W." Stevens died Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at his home in McCook. He was 95 years old.

Joy was born on November 23, 1912, in North Platte to Roy T. and Mary A. (Titus) Stevens. He graduated from McCook High School in 1930.

On May 5, 1950, he married Lorraine Sophia Marie Ostdiek at Denver, Colorado. To this union two children, R. Timothy and Kathryn, were born. They made their home in McCook where Joy worked for the railroad. He later became a self-employed painter until his retirement.

Joy was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars and woodworking. Making music boxes was his specialty.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Mary Stevens; his wife, Lorraine on April 21, 1997; one grandson in infancy; one brother, Leo Stevens; and three sisters, Wauneta Smith, Leona Ricketts and Eileen Lutz.

Survivors include his children, Tim Stevens and wife, Terri, of McCook and Kathy and husband, Joseph Barger of Wauneta; one sister, Donna and husband, Bud Kraker, of Beaverton, OR; eight grandchildren, Ryan Stevens and wife, Michelle, Jason Stevens and wife, Jami, Tara and husband, Andy Jernigan, Theresa and husband, Ken Dumont, Courtney Barger, Abby and husband, Matthew Ward, Peter Barger and Laura Barger; 14 great-grandchildren, Joshua, Andie, Corban, Kaden, Tré©, Taylen, Blake, Bryce, Colton, Shawn, Trevor, Anastazia, Andrew and Amber; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials were to be given in his name.

Rosary was recited at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Saturday, July 26, 2008, 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Father F. Val Bartek officiating. Inurnment took place in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.