John H. Stephenson's Obituary
John Houser Stephenson, age 94, passed away May 23, 2011 at home in Windham, NH.
He was born April 25, 1917 and raised in Washington, DC, by the late Lloyd W. and Mary H. Stephenson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Virginia Stephenson and brother Douglas Stephenson. John continued his education in DC and graduated college from the American University.
John served his country proudly in the SW Pacific Islands, during World War II, from 1941-1945. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the US Army Infantry. He then moved to Silver Spring, MD and was employed by the Veterans Administration for 27 years in Personnel and Management.
He and his wife, the late Dorothy Cuatt Stephenson, came to Zephyrhills, Florida in 1973. Mr. Stephenson was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Zephyrhills. He served on the Zephyrhills City Council from 1980-1986 and the Planning Commission for two years later on. In 1982, he was the City?s representative on Pasco County?s Citizens Community Advisory Committee. He was a life member and Melvin Jones Fellow in the Zephyrhills Lions Club, and a member of the Zephyrhills Historical Association, Downtown Main Street, 41st Infantry Division Association and Pasco County League of Women?s Voters.
John and his surviving wife Fern Stephenson moved to St. Pete, Florida in 2002. John enjoyed living on the water, where he would fish in his backyard and watch all of Gods creatures. In 2008 they moved to the New England area to be amongst more of their family.
John is survived by his stepchildren Richard (Suzoko) Therrien of Methuen, MA , Russell (Marie) Therrien of Methuen, MA, Paul (Joanne) Therrien of Chelmsford, MA, Elaine Findley of Northampton, MA , George (Laura) Therrien of Palm Harbor, FL. He is also survived by nephew Douglas (Renee) Stephenson of Ijamsville, MD, niece Louise (George) Criticos of Penfield, NY, cousin Lynwood (Carol) Heiges of St. Pete, FL, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.
Relatives and friends may call at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. in Methuen, from 4-7 PM on Thursday with services to follow at 7: PM. Graveside services will be held on June 4th at 3 pm at Oakside Cemetery in Zephyrhills, FL. The Rev. Dr. Buddy Hollyfield will officiate. Whitfield Funeral Home in Florida is handling the arrangements for the graveside ceremony . Relatives and friends are welcomed.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Amedisys Hospice Services, 1 E. Common Drive Unit 33 Londonderry, NH 03053.
What’s your fondest memory of John H.?
What’s a lesson you learned from John H.?
Share a story where John H.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John H. you’ll never forget.
How did John H. make you smile?