William Stevens

William Ray Stevens was born June 17, 1948 in Joplin, MO, the son of Virgil R. and Mary Lucille (Hill) Stevens.  Bill loved to travel the highways and byways of life meeting new and interesting people along the way.  He learned early in life the value of hard work, but also enjoyed life and the people you meet in it.  Bill never meet a stranger.    At age 14, Bill worked for the former Helm Grocery Store in Seneca. He loved to learn and loved to share knowledge with others.  He attended Crowder College where he earned his associates degree. He received his Bachelor's Degree at Missouri Southern State College and went on to CMSU to receive his Masters in education. He received his Doctorate from the University of Arkansas.    His teaching career began in 1972 at the High School in Max Creek, MO; he went to teach in Rolla, MO and on to Independence, KS Junior College. Later, Bill moved to NEO in Miami, OK and to Pittsburg State University. Bill finished his career at Missouri Southern State University working there until he retired in 2011.  Bill was a life long member of the Seneca Christian Church where he taught a Sunday School Class for many years. William Ray Stevens married Jeanie Beard, December 19, 1969 in Quapaw, OK and she survives.  Additional survivors include one daughter, Sally Luann Sarhan and husband Moh, New York, NY; one son, Craig William Stevens and wife, Sydel, St. Louis, MO; one sister, Joanne Needham and husband John, Seneca, MO; two grandchildren, Silas and Wyatt and four grandcats.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents.  The family will be holding a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the Seneca Christian Church located at 14200 Bethel Rd, Seneca, MO with Doug Lawson officiating. If you have a story about Bill’s life please come and share. There will be a reception following the services.   The body has been taken for cremation.  Memorial contributions can be made to Cookson Hills – Christian haven for children, 60416 Highway 10, Kansas, OK 74347 or donate online at www.cooksonhills.org.