After 84 years enjoying God’s green Earth, Sonny Stevens drew his last breath on Wednesday, August 17. Born Francis Waldo Stevens, Sonny spent his childhood exploring, hunting, and getting up to who-knows-what on his parents’ farm in Alstead, NH. As a young boy, he once landed upside-down in the horse trough, only to be rescued by the hired hands, a memory that brought tears to his mother’s eyes even when she told it 50 years later. Following high school graduation, Sonny enlisted in the U.S. Navy, but not before marrying Joanne, his wife of 64 years.

Following his discharge, Sonny returned home to Alstead where he lived the rest of his life. Sonny worked briefly at the Creamery and Cheese Factory in Bellows Falls, VT, American Optical in Keene, and the Hinsdale Racetrack until he found solid employment with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 35 years of service. He was an active member of the Third Congregational Church of Alstead, and enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and the horse races in Saratoga. He followed the Red Sox and Patriots, as well as local high school sports, and enjoyed the birds and other critters he fed for years outside his living room window. He enjoyed talking with people and could pass the hours spinning yarns of days gone by. He passed his later years sitting on his back porch, greeting passersby and watching cows, deer, and turkeys wander through the fields of his childhood home.

Sonny is predeceased by his parents, Ray and Irene (Covey) Stevens, and a foster brother, Paul Walker. He leaves his wife of 64 years, Joanne (Pitcher) Stevens of Alstead; four children, Suzanne Stevens of Keene; Heidi Quinn of Framingham, MA; Jeffrey Stevens of Hayes, VA; and Matthew Stevens of Powell, OH; several grandchildren, and great grandchildren; Paul Walker, Jr. of Argyle, TX; and Shari Walker of Florence, MA.

A memorial service for Sonny will be held on Saturday, September 17 at 1:00 PM at the Third Congregational Church located at 14 River Street in Alstead, NH. A reception at the church will follow. All are invited.

Thank you for your kind support. 

Heidi Quinn (Sonny’s daughter)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sonny’s name to the Third Congregational Church, 14 River St., Alstead, NH  03602.