April 22, 1925 – February 25, 2013
Billy Joe Stevinson, 87, of Fleming, Mo., passed away Monday, February 25, 2013 at the North Kansas City Hospital.
Billy Joe was born on April 22, 1925 in rural Orrick, Mo., to Jesse James Stevinson and Sallie (Popejoy) Stevinson. He was a lifelong resident of the Orrick area.
Billy Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and was one of the soldiers that fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He received four bronze stars and the purple heart as well as the good conduct medal for his brave service.
On March 22, 1949, he was united in marriage to Shirley L. May. A marriage that spanned just a few days short of 64 years.
He had worked as a truck driver for many years for Burlington Northern Freight Lines in Kansas City and later for All American Trucklines, which later became American Freight Lines from which he retired in 1984.
Billy Joe was an avid gardner and loved working his garden and growing various plants. He also loved to hunt and fish. He liked to joke around. He especially loved the time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a son, James R. (Jim Bob) Stevinson in 1993, and two sisters, Virginia Lacy and Freida Hayes.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 64 years, Shirley L. Stevinson of the home; a son, Larry Stevinson (Jody) of Fleming, Mo.; a daughter-in-law, Inga King of Orrick, Mo.; grandchildren, Jamie Henrich (Eric), Jenny Stevinson (Jed), of Orrick, Mo., and Eric Stevinson (Amy Jo) of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; great grandchildren, Harley Parks, Wesley Henrich, Tyson Stevinson, Brylie Holt, and Kayla Stevinson.
The family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening, March 1, 2013 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Burial with full military honors will follow in South Point Cemetery near Orrick.
The family suggest memorial gifts be given to the Disabled American Veterans in his memory.
Condolences
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Steven Nail
My condolences to family and friends.
Johnna Schreckhise
Our prayers are with your family! The GracePointe family want to extend their prayers to Larry and Jody! We pray God’s presence will be close to you today and the days ahead!
Fel Bagunu
My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Sherry Lutjen
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Stevinson. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob (A grateful stranger)