[NFBMO] The passing of a dear friend

GeneCoulter@Charter.Net GeneCoulter at Charter.net
Tue Jan 21 02:44:10 UTC 2025


I am so saddened by Tom's passing. He was a great friend and will be very much
missed. I have many fond memories  of him and Helen. Below I have extrapolated
some of his NFB highlights .

Tom, I do know the history and will not forget yourcontributions.

Gene Coulter

 

President 1977-1979

First Vice President 1975-1977 and 1995-2003 

Second Vice President 1993-1995 and 2003-2011

Blind Missourian editor  1975-1983 and  1985-1987

National Chair of the Associate Membership Committee in late 1990's and early
2000's 

Editor of the National Publication "The Associate Raiser" In the late 1990's 

Awards:

1980 Jernigan Award

1988 Affiliate Award

1992 Rittgers Award  for Tom and Helen 

 

 

From: NFBMO <nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Gary Wunder via NFBMO
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 7:42 PM
To: 'NFB of Missouri Mailing List' <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>
Subject: [NFBMO] The passing of a dear friend

 

It is with real sadness and loss that I write this message acknowledging the
passing of Former President Tom Stevens who served the NFB of Missouri from 1977
to 1979. His passing occurred on Saturday, January 18, at the age of Ninety-two.
The celebration of his life will be this coming Saturday, January 25. Below is his
obituary:

 

Charles Stevens Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory
on Jan. 20, 2025.

 

Charles Thomas Stevens passed away in his sleep on January 18, 2025 in Moberly,
Mo. Charles was born October 25, 1932 in Nevada, Missouri to Glenn M. and Edna E.
Stevens. Raised in Vernon County, Tom graduated from Southwest Missouri State
College and entered the U. S. Army in 1955. While at SMS, Tom met Helen L.
Utterback and the two were wed on December 27, 1953. They enjoyed seventy-one
years of marriage together.
Tom was in the first class of ROTC graduates at SMS and served in the U. S. Army
for sixteen years. The Stevens family spent five years in Augsburg, Germany and
Tom served two tours in Vietnam during his service to his country. He was an
Airborne Ranger and a master parachutist with 59 jumps. Tom was highly decorated,
receiving the Legion of Merit, multiple Bronze Stars (with valor), and two Purple
Hearts. Tom retired with disability in 1970 when he lost his eyesight. He served
for four years as the Director of the Bureau for the Blind of the State of
Missouri.
The Stevens family moved to Columbia, Mo
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/missouri/columbia> . in 1974 where Tom
earned a Master's degree and a Specialist's degree in Counseling. He was an avid
Mizzou and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Tom and Helen moved to Moberly, Mo. on August
27, 2024 to be close to family.
Tom was a leader and encourager in everything that he did. He served the National
Federation of the Blind for over forty years, advocating for the rights of the
blind. He served as chapter chairperson and state president and was a leading
fundraiser for the organization. He visited many schools and spoke to thousands of
elementary school children from Virginia to California. He was an active and
honored member of the Columbia Host Lions Club for many years. Tom and Helen
provided leadership in the churches they attended. Tom was a Sunday School teacher
for decades and also a former elder at Forum Christian Church. Tom and Helen were
passionate about missions and served on the Missions Committee for many years.
Tom and Helen have three children, Mark T. Stevens and wife Lee, Topeka, Kansas;
Diana L. Pixler and husband Scott, Phoenix, Arizona; and Eric A. Stevens and wife
Rebecca, of Moberly, Mo. They have nine grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren.
Grandchildren include, Rachel Bowlin and husband Travis, Knob Noster, Mo., Aaron
Stevens and wife Laura, Manhattan, Ks., Micheal Stevens and wife Christine,
Indianapolis, In., Nathan Pixler, Phoenix, Christopher Stevens, Moberly, Mo.,
Sarah Jammeh and husband Alagie, Washington, D. C., Hannah Stevens, Kansas City,
Mo., Myra Zhang and husband Simon, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Duncan Stevens, Columbia,
Mo <https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/missouri/columbia> .
Tom was interested in genealogy and spent many hours in his office at Ellis
Library and at the Missouri State Historical Society doing research.
Memorials are suggested to: Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231
or Christian Campus House 704 South College Avenue Columbia, MO
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/missouri/columbia>  65201
A visitation will be held on January 25, 2025, from 9:30 AM until the time of
service at 10:30 AM at Forum Christian Church, 3900 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/missouri/columbia>  65203. Graveside
will be held at Green Mound Cemetery in Harwood, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service &
Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/missouri/columbia>  65203 (573)
449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at
www.millardfamilychapels.com <http://www.millardfamilychapels.com> 

 

Gary Wunder

gwunder at earthlink.net <mailto:gwunder at earthlink.net>  

 

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