Halbert Seeley Stevens

Halbert Seeley Stevens, 89 SIDNEY -- Halbert S. Stevens, 89, Colonel-United States Army National Guard, passed peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at the home of his son and daughter-in- law, Douglas and Jeri Stevens with his wife and family by his side. Hal was born in Portage Lake, on May 23, 1919, the oldest son of Halbert and Phoebe Stevens. He married Helen Fowler of Fort Fairfield, and they had three children, Halbert, Naomi and Douglas. Hal and Helen were married for 66 years, and lived in Caribou and Gardiner. After retirement they moved to Ocala, Fla., but continued to summer in Maine at their cottage on Taylor Pond. They returned to Maine full time in 2003 to be closer to family. Hal graduated from Ricker Classical Institute, Aroostook Normal School, Husson College and the University of Maine. He also attended the George Washington University where he studied international relations. On April 2, 1942, Hal enlisted in the United States Army and began a long and exemplary military career from which he retired as a Colonel in May 1976. As a member of the 'Greatest Generation' he served during WWII with the 80th Infantry Division as an Infantry unit Commander where he participated in the Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns. He returned to Maine after the war and briefly taught school in Mapleton, before joining the Maine National Guard as a full time officer. He was instrumental in several major Maine National Guard accomplishments, including the creation of the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the establishment of the Maine National Guard Officer Candidate School. He retired as a Colonel after 34 years of Active, Reserve and National Guard service to the State of Maine and the United States. Hal was a member of the Gardiner Methodist church, the Ocala West United Methodist Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Rotary Club and a member of the Lions Club. Hal was also a member of Martindale Country Club in Auburn. Hal and Helen were both avid golfers, enjoying golf together year round. Hal is survived by Helen, his wife of 66 years; his sister Mary Downey of Seattle, Wash.; three children, Halbert, Naomi her husband Jay and Douglas and his wife Jeri; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Allaire, Jason Allaire, Melissa Cust, Phoebe Stevens, Elizabeth Stevens, Jacob Stevens and Sara Stevens and seven great-grandchildren. Burial will be with full military honors at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. A gathering of friends and family for a celebration of Hal's life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Condolences may be sent to dougstevens@gwi.net. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Hal's memory may be made to: The American Lung Association 122 State St. Augusta, Maine 04330 Halbert S. Stevens