Charles Lavern Stevens

Charles L. "Dutch" Stevens, 99, died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in Herrin Hospital. Originally from Murphysboro, he resided in Herrin with his daughter Teri Isaacs. He was born on October 16, 1910 in Murphysboro to Clarence Raymond and Eva May Crombar Stevens. He married Magdalen Riggio of Murphysboro on October 27, 1934 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Murphysboro, IL. She preceded him in death on December 27, 1980. On October 24, 1981, he married Magdalen Young Castleton of Murphysboro. She preceded him in death on February 4, 1994. Mr. Stevens was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Murphysboro. Recently he attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Dutch started working in the coal mines at age 19. His work ended abruptly in 1929, when the Templeton Mine caved in. After recovering from the mine accident, he held a variety of jobs. He worked as a Coca-Cola truck driver, fireman at the ordinance plant, dry cleaner, and bartender until his retirement. He was proud of his television appearances on WSIU Public Broadcasting. He loved life and because of that everyone could not help but to love him. His generous, lively spirit lit up the room everywhere he went. He adored his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and enjoyed being with them. He loved telling stories of his life experiences, especially his fish tales. He enjoyed fishing and dancing throughout his life. Charles was the father of three daughters, Teresa Isaacs, Jean Tweedy and husband Jim, and Sue Hawthorne. He was brother to Helen Garner and husband Glenn, Wanda Davis, and Donald Stevens. His sisters-in-law are Mary Kilby, Minnie Hooks, and Frances Rendleman. Charles had 10 grandchildren: Beth Isaacs Spezia and husband Carl; Cecil J. Isaacs, Jr.; John Tweedy and wife Gina; Joe, James, and Jason Tweedy; Monica Hawthorne Haake and husband Mike; Michael, Marc, and Mitchell Hawthorne. Charles had six great-grandchildren: Taylor and Alexis Tweedy, Bailey Jo Tweedy, Alex and Ben Haake, and Will Hawthorne. He had numerous nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed the friendship and company of Rodger and Beth Rodd. Charles was a lifetime member of the Knights of Colombus and a lifetime member of the Murphysboro Elks Club. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe and George Stevens, sisters Mildred McGuire and Sadie Paul, favorite uncle, John Crombar, and sons-in-law Cecil Isaacs and Mike Hawthorne. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro with Monsignor Ken Schaefer officiating and burial at St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Pettett Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday. Memorial donations are suggested to Adorers Retirement Fund at Ruma Center or Our Lady of Mount Carmel School or St. Andrew School.

Charles Lavern Stevens

October 16, 1910 - October 20, 2009