NORWAY – Harley Thayer Stevens, 85, of South Paris died Thursday, Feb. 28, at Stephens Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Sumner on Feb. 10, 1923, the son of Carl and Ada Thayer Stevens. He married Elizabeth Garey on his birthday, Feb. 10, 1946, and they were married for 57 years before her death on Sept. 1, 2003.

They were proud parents of three children, Sandra Stevens Alberi, Kerry Stevens and Dean Stevens. He proudly served his country in World War II, where he was wounded three times and awarded six medals including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

He was always a hard worker. When his father died at a young age, he quit school after the 8th grade to help support his brothers and sisters. He worked at Wilner Wood Products in production and as a foreman for his entire adult life. He also owned and operated Fox Brush Co. from his home for several years. He was a skilled furniture maker despite having no formal training.

He was well-known for the love of his horse and dogs. He and his favorite dog, Blazer, won many trophies over the years, and he and “Little Speck” rode in hundreds of horse shows winning numerous trophies for barrel racing and pole bending. He also trained and drove race horses and ponies. He so enjoyed being the mounted Marshall for the Memorial Day parades even into his 80s.

He was a member of the South Paris V F W, Legion, Oxford County Coon Hunters Club, Tri County Riders, and United Harness Racing Association.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandra and her husband, W. Alan Alberi, of Norway; son, Kerry Stevens and wife, Lisa, of Standish; son, Dean Stevens and wife, Terry, of South Paris; two brothers, Howard Stevens and wife, Edith, of Canton and Carl Stevens and wife, Barbara, of Baltimore, Md.; eight grandchildren, Michelle Eshleman-Lewis and fiancé, Marcus, Marc Alberi, Stephanie Gates and husband, Bill, Heather Trembly and husband, Tim, Brittany Shaw and husband, Mitch, Deanna, Shelby and Annie Stevens; four great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Will Eshleman and Riley and Jordyn Gates; many special nieces and nephews; and a very special, caring, loving friend, Sylvia Michaud-Kessell.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; two sisters, Marian Hazelton and Irene Eastman; two brothers, Stanley Stevens and Dwight Stevens; and a nephew, Darwin Stevens.