Obituary of John Stevens

John Robert Stevens, 88, of, Morgantown, passed peacefully Sunday, December 5, 2010, at Monongalia General Hospital.John was born May 31, 1922, in Pursglove, WV, the son of the late Vincent Stevens, Sr. and Grace Rachel Stevens. He graduated from University High School in 1940, and was employed with Pursglove Coal Company as a laborer prior to enlisting in the United States Army.John was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II from December 11, 1942 to October 29, 1945 when he received his honorable discharge. He served as the Staff Sergeant and Message Center Chief of the 99th Infantry Division Headquarters Battery Division Artillery. The 99th Infantry Division of the United States Army (nicknamed âCheckerboardâ Division or âBattle Babiesâ) played a strategic role in the Battle of the Bulge when its troops held fast along the northern border of the German advance, refusing them access to the vital road network that led into Belgium. John participated in the following European Theatre of Operations battles and campaigns: Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. He was awarded the following decorations and citations: Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon. John worked in West Virginiaâs coal mining industry for 41 years following his honorable discharge from the armed services. He renewed his employment with Pursglove Coal Company, and later joined Consolidation Coal Company. Upon his retirement from Consol in 1981, John served as the General Superintendent of Operations for five preparation plants in north central West Virginia. John married Doris Faye Trout of Pursglove on August 26, 1951. John enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed refinishing furniture and building miniature dollhouses with his wife, Doris. John is survived by his son John Robert Stevens, Jr. and wife, Debra of Lisbon, Ohio, Debraâs children Gary, Kevin and Jennifer Beverly, his daughter Cynthia Grace Seiler and husband George of Morgantown, his grandson Nicholas George Seiler and wife Lauren of Morgantown, his brother Roy J. Stevens of Morgantown, his brother-in-law Virgil Davis, his sister-in-law Betty Johnson and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris, his brother Vincent Stevens, Jr. and wife, Martha, and sister-in-laws Helen Stevens, Virginia Marcella Trout, Eleanor Simpson Brinegar, and Norma Maxine Davis, brother-in-laws William Henry Trout, Everett Paul Trout and Warren Trout. Our family would like to especially than Dr. Brian Arthurs, Beth Thewlis, the nurses and assistants of Sixth Floor North at Mon General Hospital and Heartland of Preston County for their compassionate care, kindness and love during a very difficult time. Friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown on Tuesday, December 7, from 5-8pm, and on Wednesday, from 10am-11am. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11am with V. Rev. Mark G. Ward CP, VF officiating. Burial will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery with full military honors.