[NFBMO] The passing of a dear friend

Tue Jan 21 13:45:01 UTC 2025

I am so truly sorry to hear of his passing.
My prayers are with his family and all Federationists who know, loved and will mourn him.

Prayerfully,
Julie Hansen 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gary Wunder via NFBMO 
  To: 'NFB of Missouri Mailing List' 
  Cc: Gary Wunder 
  Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 7:42 PM
  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. 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.
  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 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 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 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com

  Gary Wunder

  gwunder at earthlink.net 

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