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Gordon Lawrence Stevens, 100, of Lake City died Friday, May 21, 2021 at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge Nursing home.
He was born June 15, 1920 in Linesville, Pa., son of the late Myrl and Pansie (Kendall) Stevens. He attended the Linesville High School where he played baseball and basketball graduating in 1938. He married Thelma Phillips on April 8, 1940 in Greenville, Pa. and they were married for 63 years.
In January 1945, Gordon entered the Navy. He was stationed at Sampson Naval Base, Geneva, NY and later at Newport, Rhode Island. Gordon’s last assignment was serving on the aircraft carrier, the Midway, where he was part of the shakedown crew.
Gordon worked for the A&P Grocery store for a total of twenty years. He moved to Lake City in 1949 when he became manager of the Girard A&P. Later he worked for Kroger’s Markets, in Erie, as a produce manager, retiring in 1982.
For seventy-two years Gordon lived in his small hometown of Lake City, where he raised his family. Gordon loved to chat and socialize, which is the reason he had many lifelong friends. He was a regular at the local John McCarty’s Store, where all the town business was often discussed. He coached his sons’ baseball teams and served on the town council. In his earlier days he played ping pong with the Girard crew and horseshoes in the Lake City park. Gordon also enjoyed traveling out West and visiting family. He was a devoted Cleveland Indians fan and listened to the most recent of games. He looked forward to his many birthday parties. Although Covid limited his celebrating his 100th birthday, he was greatly surprised when his community honored him with a grand parade.
For seventy-two years Gordon was a member of the Lake City Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Session and as an Elder. He cherished his church family, which was a very large part of his life. He was very appreciative of their love, support, and their many kind deeds. He enjoyed attending church where he received greetings and hugs every Sunday. Reverend Deb Rimmer supported him with many weekly visits, calls, and prayers.
Gordon, known as Gordy, had a very special bond with his grandchildren. Throughout the years Gordy attended most school events. Gordy said grace and danced at their weddings. His grandchildren were entertained by his special song,” Inky, Dinky, Donkey Doo”, which only Gordy knew the words. They remember his many lengthy trips to McDonalds, the Albion Fair and Presque Isle.
In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Stevens; his son, Duane (Perk) Stevens; and a brother, Niles Stevens.
He will be greatly missed by his family which include his two daughters, Diane Mason (Addison) of Geneva, NY and Karen Parrish (David) of East Springfield; a son, Ronald Stevens (Louise) of New Bern, NC; a daughter-in-law, Jean Stevens; ten grandchildren, Wendy Filipowski, Stacey Carr, Hollis Bauer, Brent Mason, Kelly Mosley, Matthew Parrish, Keith Parrish, Lindsay Norton, Katie Nock, and Jennifer Rapel; sixteen great-grandchildren, Kristin, Carlee, Logan, Zachary, Corey, Isla, Oliver, Evie, Kendall, Quinn, Elle, Mac, Ryan, Taylor, Amanda, and Hailey; seven great-great-grandchildren, Grayson, Matthew, Kellen, Luca, Perry, Vaeda, and Abram. Also survived by three special nieces and two nephews.
The family would like to thank Reverend Deb Rimmer, and Gordon’s helpers, Maria Schreffler, and Steven Dombrowski for always brightening Gordon’s days. Also appreciated were all the kind words and help provided by AseraCare Hospice, Saint Marys West, the Lake City Fire Department and West County ParaMedics.
During his 100 years Gordon felt very blessed to have so many special friends and family. We are sure that all his funny stories and fond memories will be handed down for many years to come. We will certainly miss you Gordy!
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lake City Presbyterian Church, 10088 Seeley Street, Lake City Pa. 16423 or to the Lake City Fire Department, 2232 Rice Avenue, Lake City Pa.16423.
Friends may call on Monday May 24, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Edder Funeral Home Inc. 309 Main St. E. Girard, PA 16417. Attend a service there the following day, Tuesday May 25th at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Deb Rimmer Officiating
To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com
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