1924 – 2015

CANTON — Howard W. Stevens, 90, of Canton, fondly known as dad, papa, “the king” and “Steve,” died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Howard was born in Sumner on July 30, 1924, one of seven children born to Carl and Ada Thayer Stevens. He graduated from Buckfield High School in the Class of 1942.

Howard entered the U.S. Army in 1945, joining the 16th Infantry, First Division, serving in Germany. He belonged to several organizations, including VFW Post No. 5986, Holland-Damon, Maxim. He served as commander and then as quarter-master for 52 years.

He was a lifetime member of Evening Star Lodge No. 147 in Buckfield, a lifetime member of the American Legion in Dixfield and was a present member of VFW Post No. 3335 in Jay.

Howard married Edith Gordon of Paris on June 30, 1945, in Spartanburg, S.C., where he was stationed in the Army. Howard and Edith celebrated their 69th anniversary in 2014. Together, they had four daughters.

Howard’s employment included the Tanning Co. of South Paris and Boise Paper Co., from which he retired in 1986, having been a pipefitter for 35 years.

Howard was an avid Red Sox baseball fan and never would be seen without his baseball cap. Howard played baseball during his high school years and his love of the game continued throughout his life. Family reunions were not complete without a friendly baseball game.

He had fond memories of traveling by train at the age of 15 with his cousin, Lee Cummings, to Fenway Park to watch a Red Sox game. In later years, Howard had the honor of attending many baseball suppers and meetings, and being photographed with many players, managers and the owner. He shared his love of the Red Sox with his cousin and best friend, Lee Cummings, who talked with him almost daily, right up to the last day of his life. A lifelong dream of watching the Red Sox win a World Series became a reality when Lee’s wife offered Howard her seat at the game against the Cardinals in 2004. It was a highlight of his life that he often spoke about.

Above all else, Howard’s family was his world. He enjoyed preparing Sunday morning breakfasts and any gatherings where he could spend time with family and friends.

Howard is survived by his wife, Edith Stevens, of Canton; four daughters, Carolee Landry and her husband, Richard, of Canton, Dianne Ackley and her husband, Larry Sr., of Massachusetts, Sheila Smith and her partner, David Atkinson, of Canton and Kelly Dube and her partner, Bob Allen, of Manchester; grandchildren include Richard McKeen and partner, Amanda Vasquez, of Massachusetts, Brad McKeen and his fiancée, Mary Hubbard, of Canton, Michael McKeen of Canton, Larry Ackley Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Massachusetts, Melanie Littlefield-Hickey and partner, Rob Farnum, of West Gardiner, Chuck Smith and his fiancée, Amy Cote, of Farmingdale, Justin Dube and his wife, Ashley, of Wayne and Jared and Avery Beckwith of Manchester; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousin and best friend, Lee Cummings and wife, Maddy, of Massachusetts.

Howard was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Ada Stevens; a grandson, Blaine McKeen, of Canton; his granddaughter’s husband, Ron Hickey, of West Gardner; an adopted daughter, Ann Cierpech, of Massachusetts; sisters, Marion Hazelton and Irene Eastman; and brothers, Stanley Stevens, Harley Stevens, Dwight Stevens and Carl Stevens Jr.

Condolences may be expressed at funeralalternatives.net.