Idaho State Journal, 07/28/08

MONTPELIER, Idaho — Master Sergeant Evan C. Stephens, 91, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, July 25, 2008, in the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier.

He was born in Montpelier to Thomas N. and Clara Welker Stephens on November 14, 1917. He graduated from Montpelier High School where he was active in football and wrestling.

Evan attended the Utah State Agricultural College before enlisting in the service just prior to the outbreak of World War II. A retired 26-year decorated veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Evan served in Europe and the Far East in a career that spanned World War II, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam.

He married his “Sweetheart” Bess in Reno, Nevada, in 1955. In 1966, Evan ended his career in the U.S. Air Force and he and Bess relocated to Montpelier where he began a new career as a Mail Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired from his second career in 1987.

Evan was active in the Montpelier Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3884, where he served as Post Commander performing community services, benefit fundraising and direction of military burial rites. Evan served his country and community well, and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. 

Evan lost his “Sweetheart” Bess in April 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gwen Holmes, Ada Bissegger and Eleanor Odell; and brothers, Owen, Melvin, Arthur and Carlyle Stephens. He is survived by his stepson, James W. Smith (wife Maria) of Las Vegas, Nev., and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services are set at 11 a.m. in the Matthews Mortuary Chapel in Montpelier. Interment will follow at the Montpelier Cemetery.