AUBURN – Russell Lewis Stevens, 79, of Strong, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Hospice House in Auburn, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Oct. 9, 1928, in Strong, a son of Frank and Hazel (Kershner) Russell. He attended Strong schools and was a veteran, having served during World War II in the U.S. Navy on the USS Compton from 1945 to 1948. On Aug. 22, 1958, he married Eloise Savage. They made their home in Strong.

For many years he was employed by the State of Maine, DOT department. He was also a millwright for Starbird, Isaacson and Packard Lumber Cos., and drove a school bus for a few years. He was active in the Lions Club, 4-H Club, Little League, ATV Club, Snowmobile Club, the Johnson-Cox American Legion Post 78, the Strong Fire Dept., and the Strong Social Club of the Beal’s General Store.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Eloise, of Strong; his children, Ivan Gould Jr. of Strong, Adrah Taylor and her husband, Ed, of Avon, Roy Gould and his wife, Debbie, of Avon, Frank Stevens and his wife, Sibyl, of Phillips and Ronald Stevens of Strong; his sisters, Dawn Pratt and her husband, Andy, and Betty Snell and her husband, Les, all of Strong; brother, Frank Milton Stevens and his wife, Audrey, and Marshall Stevens, all of Strong; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his “grand dog,” Brownie.

He was preceased by his son, Raymond Gould; his sister, Charlene Stevens; two grandchildren; and his parents.