Bennie Jerrel Stevens was born October 31, 1930, to Benjamin Franklin and Maud Lee Hall Stevens, in Bay City, TX. He went to his reward on January 16, 2008.

He was a graduate of Bay City High School and of Sam Houston State University. He served proudly in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at One Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA. He was a retired engineer from the Texas Department of Transportation, and a retired volunteer Fireman with the Bay City Fire Department. He served for more than two decades on the Drainage District of Precinct 1 in Bay City. Since his retirement from the Highway Dept., he has been an active member of the Bay City Kiwanis, serving as secretary three times. He was also an active member of the Gideons, serving as vice-president.

After retiring, we purchased a small ranch, and he loved being out with the cows and loved the country atmosphere. He was a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Matagorda Cattleman's Association. He was also a faithful member of the Shipley's 2 P.M. coffee Group.

A dedicated member of The Church of God of Prophecy in Bay City, Bennie served as Sunday School Teacher, Song Leader, worked summer camp, or did whatever he found that needed to be done. He loved mowing the Church lawn, as that was where he said he was closest to God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Maud Lee Stevens, and one brother, Robert Lee Stevens.

He is survived by his wife, Laverne, of 54 years, plus 3 years of dating before marrying in April, 1953. He is also survived by son, James Lee Stevens and wife Susan; daughters, Leslie Diane Stevens, and Sharon Franklin and her husband Richard; brothers, John Stevens and sister-in-law, Ruth, and Benjamin Franklin "B.F." Stevens and wife Jeanie; sisters-in-law, Annie Titt and Della Shafer; 6 grandchildren, Jeff Stevens and wife Tammy, Benji Stevens and wife Leia, Brian and Bradley Franklin, and Vanessa and David Stevens; great grandchildren, Tiffany Howell and husband Casey, J.R. Danforth, and Nicole Stevens; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 20, 2008 at The Church of God of Prophecy with Reverends Tommy Griffin, James Logan, and Neil Hartsfield officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX with Honors provided by the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard and VFW Post 2438.

Pallbearers will be Richard Franklin, Brian Franklin, Jeff Stevens, Benji Stevens, Doug Jarrett, Mark Grisham, Mike Grisham, and Ron Drachenberg. Honorary pallbearers include Johnny Ryman, Bradley Franklin, David Stevens, Doug Goodman, Jim Goodman, the Bay City Kiwanis Club, and the Shipley's Retiree bunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kiwanis, the Gideons, The Stevens Family Scholarship at Texas State University C/O Anna Farr, 1012 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcus, TX 78666 (awarded to deserving young graduates from the Bay City community), or your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.