Carl P. Stevens

Stevens, Carl P. passed away Saturday, April 25 after a brief illness. Born Feb 3, 1935, Carl was the devoted son of the late Carl T. and Lorena (nee: Kramer). Beloved brother to the late Catherine Decker, late Lorraine Moore, late Marvin Stevens, late Raymond Stevens, Ruth Schneider, late Dorothy Dockens, Edna Bader, late Ella Wegan and Melvin Stevens. Cherished Brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great uncle, neighbor and friend to many. Carl’s career consisted of 40 years with Gaylord Container Corporation; but not to exclude much hunting, fishing and turkey shoots. Carl’s charm, friendship and jokes will be greatly missed. Visitation Tuesday, April 28, From 5 to 8:30 pm, Hutchens Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant MO 63031; Funeral Service 10 am, Wednesday, April 29. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stevens family ministries are welcome. Memorial Donations: The Stevens Family is blessed with two family members who have ministries in service to Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers please send your donations to: Westridge Christian Church 7903 Westridge road Raytown, Missouri 64138 If you desire to specifically designate your gift, please note Westridge (Victor) or ACMI (Carl). The memorial donation will be divided if no designation is specified. Tribute to Uncle Carl "Now listen closely. Are you listenin’? Okay! So, this Cowboy comes into town on Monday, stays two days and rides out on Friday. How did he do it?” One of Carl’s favorites, you probably can hear him saying it. You’ll have to read on and hear a bit more about Carl before you’re given the answer to the riddle, if you don’t already know it that is. Carl was the consummate man who knew no enemies and was a friend to all. I believe this goes back to even his childhood. So many stories we’ve all heard. I’ve heard stories of him obeying his Mom and Dad, which resulted in him having to drive, stay during, and return home his younger sisters who enjoyed the roller rink. Even though he considered this an egregious request due to his hatred of the rink, he was always quick to do what Mom and Dad asked. These requests included activities from mowing the grass with a “push mower”, to letting his sisters wear his brand new white dress shirts so they could be in the 1950’s style of tying the tails in a knot, he hated it, but let it happen. Carl would always say, you better not make Dad ask you twice, once and you did what was requested. You also, better not even think of sassing Mom. Maybe our modern times could all learn a lesson from those days of greater family discipline. Carl would frequently talk about his immense love for both his parents. So, what else about Carl is noteworthy? Let me continue on, he was a stickler for a clean car. This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. He would wash a car, just to wash it even if it shined already. He was known as the guy with the dependable car when other family members needed a reliable ride. He certainly was not keen to throw someone the keys, but he’d be their offering the ride if it was needed. However, you better be willing to endure a joke or two. Let’s see, how about Carl being Mr. Fix-it. He may not have been the most knowledgeable handyman, but he certainly deserves an “A” for effort. If he couldn’t figure out the problem, he’d find someone who could. But, he always gave it a try on his own first. How about a Carl quote, “That was a real cussin’ job”. Yes Carl had plenty of jewels of wisdom like that, that he shared over the years. Maybe not the most educated guy around, but he had more commonsense and love in his pinky than most people can fathom. “Yep, the school of hard knocks”, to quote him again, taught him most of what he knew. Why will Carl be missed, well I must say that he touched so many lives. He much preferred to live with family members after his parent’s death, than strike it out on his own. This brought him into touching the lives directly of his siblings, but it would also include the sibling’s neighbors. He just had to meet the neighbors, not just because they were new neighbors, but because they were people. Yes, Carl had a unique quality of just wanting to go say “Hi”. Recently he did have the opportunity to have his own place after a brother-in-law that he lived with passed. He frequently would say how much he missed my Dad. He was able to call all the shots now in his own domain, and he did enjoy that so long as he had visitors and folks to go visit. Carl even entertained family and friends just a few days ago with his jokes and riddles during one of his good days. I guess I could go on and on about Carl. But, I think I’ve already talked too much and you probably forgot the riddle question. But, before I tell you the answer, two last quotes from Uncle Carl, “If you have your health you have everything”. “When I get to heaven, I don’t need a fancy place, just a little shack in the back will be just fine”. Well I’m sure now that he’s there, he’s got his health, and he’s got everything, including a mansion. “The Horses Name was Friday”

Carl P. Stevens

February 3, 1935 - April 25, 2015