SABATTUS – Walter George Stevens Sr., 62, of Sabattus, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 22. His loving family, including his beloved dog, Princess, was at his side as he ended his long, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1945, in Augusta, to Perley L. and Lillian L. (Farrington) Stevens. He was educated in Augusta schools.

He worked most recently at the Sabattus Transfer Station and previously had long-term employment in Lewiston with Jones and Vining for 20 years and at Hillcrest for 18 years. Prior to that, he worked as a truck driver in Connecticut.

He was a member of St. Augustine Church in Augusta and several social clubs in Lewiston. His pastimes included a passion for horseshoes, motorcycling, snowmobiling and attending family gatherings. He truly loved spending time with his wonderful and talented granddaughter, Samantha.

Walter was one of those people who made friends easily, and you never stayed a stranger for long. He leaves behind many longtime and loyal friends who stood by his side during his illness. Especially helpful in his last days were the nurses from the fourth floor at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and those from Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nine years, Deborah Jean (Verrill) Stevens. He leaves behind his mother; son, Walter G. Stevens Jr. of Erie, Pa.; daughter, Laurie Stevens and her partner, Peter Spencer, of Auburn; stepson, Gunnery Sgt. Kevin W. Lerette and his wife, Matina, of Quantico, Va.; stepdaughter, Sherry (Lerette) and husband, Richard St. Amant, of Lisbon Falls; daughter, Marie M. Hendricks of Buckfield; and special son, Donald Bussiere of Sabattus; granddaughters, Samantha and Stacey Spencer, Taylor and Clariece St. Amant, and Katelyn Lerette; grandsons, Jared York, Justin Hendricks, Nicholas Lerette and Justin Spencer; brothers, Norman and wife, Theresa Hallowell, and Perley “Sonny” Stevens Jr. of Dade, Fla.; sister, Roberta Stevens; sisters-in-law, Ramona and husband, Thomas Naragon, of Lisbon Falls, and Pamela and husband, James Lawrence, of Sonoita, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his father; and a brother, Everett Stevens.