STEVENS, Orlo Ray 1879-1953

STEVENS, CRAMER, STOCKS

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 5/10/2015 at 14:11:12

Orlo Ray Stevens – October 11, 1879 – February 12, 1953

ORLO STEVENS, SPANISH WAR VETERAN DIES

Orlo Stevens, highly respected old resident of Nashua, died last Thursday at his home after a long illness. He was 73.

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 12, at the Chenoweth Funeral Home the Rev. Frederick Cooper officiating. Military honors were recorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Music was given by Dorothy Todd, vocalist, and Ardith Stille, accompanist. Flowers were in charge of Clara Taylor and Cora Wright.

Orlo was born October 11, 1879, a son of Fred and Alice Stevens, on a farm west of Nashua. When 17, he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and was soon in Cuba in the Spanish American War fighting. He was honorably discharged in Havana, March 12, 1898. He returned home and December 23, 1903 married Henrietta Cramer. They had two children, Nina (Mrs. W. L. Stocks) and Forrest, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Stevens marked their 49th wedding anniversary, December 23, at a quiet family gathering. They spent the major part of their married life in farming retiring to Nashua in 1919.

Surviving are his widow; his daughter Nina and two grandchildren, Arthur and Jeanette.

Mr. Stevens was a devoted member of the veterans’ organizations, and had often remarked that he wanted a military funeral. The V. F. W. boys remembered this, and turned out with great spirit to pay him last honors. Arthur Walsh was escort commander of the military detail for the day. The eight-man firing squad consisted of Sgt. Hallis Watson, member of the Post home on furlough; Denard Jensen, Fred Timmer, Clyde Bonzer, Joe Pearce, Harry Pearce, Mark Smith and Ivan Hultz.

The color guard included Harry McKenzie, carrying the V. F. W. insignia; Darrell Weigand, with the national emblem and David Rodamer and Ole Fisher, Riflemen. Gene Wilson and Burdette Baldwin also formed part of the detail, as was Owen Simmons, local Post commander.

Casket bearers were Clarion Rohde, Third district V. F. W. commander; Bill Olson Pete Spurbeck of Waverly, who served with Mr. Stevens in the Spanish-American war; Ed Poppe, Sr, a Legionnaire, Mayor, V. L. Strike and M. B. Norman, also a Legionnaire. The US Flag which was draped over the casket was taken there by Clarion Rohde and Bill Olson, given the official folding and presented by Commander Rohde to Mrs. Stevens in behalf of the United States.

Nashua Reporter, Thursday, February 19, 1953