John Newell Stevens

RUMNEY: John Newell Stevens, Jr., age 94, died peacefully at home in the attendance of his family on Saturday, July 27, 2019. He was the son of John Newell, Sr., and Viola (Hatch) Stevens, born in Rockland, Maine, on July 6, 1925. John (lovingly known as Duke to many) graduated from Acton-Boxboro High School in Acton, Massachusetts, in 1943. He completed both his Junior and Senior high school years simultaneously so he could join the Navy and help with the war effort. He served valiantly in the Pacific theater during World War II, and was honorably discharged in June, 1946, after the war ended. He met the love of his life and wife to be, Ardelle M. Day (known by many as June), in March of 1947 and were married a short time later on August 31, 1947. They raised two daughters and enjoyed almost 69 years of marriage until her death on April 25, 2016. They enjoyed many years of camping and traveling around the United States and were fortunate to visit 48 states. John and June enjoyed a wonderful retirement by residing in Florida during the winter months and returning to Rumney for the beautiful summer weather, making the decision in 2014 to stay in Rumney year round for their final years. Following his service in the war, John worked as an electrical engineer for Raytheon in Waltham, Massachusetts, until his retirement in 1974. Upon retirement from this career, John moved to Rumney, and started a contracting business as an electrician, carpenter, and general repairman. He was known throughout Rumney and the Stinson Lake area as an upright craftsman who charged fair prices for exceptional workmanship, earning him immense respect from everyone he encountered. John was predeceased by his wife, parents, and brother, Woodbury Stevens. He is survived by two daughters, Donna E. Shepherd, of Belmont, NH, and Jean E. Lemoine, of Rockingham, NC; three grandchildren, Kimberlee A. Dearborn and significant other, Troy Miller, of Laconia, NH, Sandra L. Shepherd of Manchester, NH, and Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Kent H. Shepherd III, and wife Mary, who is currently serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY; four great-grandchildren, James Dearborn of Laconia, NH, Zachary Dearborn of Sackets Harbor, NY, and Elizabeth M. and Kent H. Shepherd, IV, of Ft. Huachuca, Arizona; sister-in-law, Barbara Gray, of Nichols, SC, sister and brother-in-laws, Gail and Jim Williams of North Stratford, NH, and Dawn and Bob Whyte of Oakmont, Penn, along with many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services to be held at The Rumney Baptist Church, 375 Main St. in Rumney, NH at 11 am on Sat. August 24,2019. Cemetery services with military honors to follow at Highland Cemetery, Quincy Rd., Rumney. NH In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the NH Humane Society.

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John Newell Stevens

July 6, 1925 - July 27, 2019