John E. Stevenson, 81, of Arcanum, died early Monday morning, August 29, 2011 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton. Mr. Stevenson was born in Arcanum on June 6, 1930, the son of the late Sterling and Bernice (Wild) Stevenson. A member of Faith United Methodist Church, John taught Sunday School and served on the Finance and Parish Staff Committees. Following retirement from the former Dayton Press in 1980, Mr. Stevenson was a Loan Officer and served on the Board of directors at the former Arcanum Federal Savings and Loan. He was a founding member of the Arcanum Community Rescue Squad and a long time Assistant Fire Chief for the Arcanum Fire Department. John was the owner of the former Appraisal Associates in Arcanum. John served on the Board of directors for the Garst Museum and was a member of the Arcanum Lion's Club. A veteran of the U. S. Army serving at the time of the Korean War, John retired in 1990 as a Major from the Army/Army National Guard. He was a Civil War authority, an animal lover, and an avid reader. John was preceded in death by his 1st wife Helen who died January 20, 1980, his 2nd wife Ella who died July 24, 2009 and his sister Carol J. Colebrook. He is survived by Step Daughters Anne (Dave) Michel of Huntertown, IN and Julie (Daryl) Ullery of Winchester, KY; 5 Step Grandchildren; Nieces Kathy (Bob) Freudenberger of Bethel, OH and Laura Lee (William) Wesley of Lancaster, KY; Nephews Stephen (Karen) Morgan Colebrook and Jeffrey (Diann) Colebrook of Madera, CA; 7 Grand Nieces and Nephews; 4 Great Grand Nieces and Nephews; Sister-in-Law Laura Ruth Durham of Stanford, KY; Brother-in-Law Jim Colebrook of Guilford, CN; and Mr. Boots. Funeral Services will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, Arcanum at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 10, 2011 with Pastor Mick Whistler officiating. Military Graveside Services will be held at Buffalo Springs Cemetery, Stanford, KY at 1:30 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2011 with Rev. Dr. David Michel officiating and American Legion Post #18 of Stanford, KY will be conducting military honors. Family suggests memorial contributions to Arcanum Community Rescue Service, P.O. Box 177 Arcanum, OH 45304 or Garst Museum, 205 North Broadway Street, Greenville, OH 45331.
