Francis (Doc) Stevens

In New Richmond, Ohio on May 19, 1931 the population increased by one when Helena (Kurtz) Stevens gave birth to a son that she and her husband, Floyd, named Francis Leonard Stevens.  Francis was welcomed by one brother, Harold, and two sisters, Julia and Erma.  Several years later another brother, Paul, was also welcomed into the family.

Francis attended the New Richmond Elementary School from 1937 to 1944 up through the seventh grade.  He was skipped through the eighth grade and from 1944 to 1948 he attended the New Richmond High School.   After graduation from high school Francis was accepted at the University of Cincinnati where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952.  Since being a physician had been his dream from childhood, Francis applied and was accepted into the UC Medical School from 1952 through 1956.  He then did his internship at Cincinnati General (now University Hospital) during 1956 and 1957.

In 1952 Francis was commissioned into the United States Navy and during his active duty in the Navy was assigned to duty at sea on the Destroyer Force stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island for 2 years.  He then agreed to extend his time in order to complete deployment with USS Yosemite-the Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet to the Mediterranean in 1959.  During one of his times at sea, during a storm with the tossing of the ship, Francis performed an appendectomy, successfully, despite the movements of the ship. During the time he was stationed in New England Francis took advantage of several opportunities. One was to learn to snow ski in Vermont and the other was to take flying lessons. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1958.

After he had served his time in the Navy Francis then began a General Practice Residency from 1959 to 1960 at Lafayette Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana.   After completion of his residency Francis came back to Bucyrus, Ohio where he practiced for 2 years.  In response to his desire to be where he could serve, Francis moved to Adams County in 1962.  He began his practice in 1962 and continued up until he sold his practice to Dr. David Parrett in 2007.   In total Francis worked as a family physician in Adams County for 45 years.  Francis loved his work and considered his patients as family.  He maintained his license to practice and from 2010 to 2014 worked at the ACRMC After Hours Care Clinic on a part time basis.  He also worked part time as an in-house physician for Dr. Patel at his oncology clinics.  Full retirement came in October, 2015.  

Francis was a member of the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), The American Medical Association, (AMA), the Adams County Medical Society, The American Association of Family Practitioners (AAFP) and the Ohio Academy of Family Practice (OAFP).

Francis’s life was blessed with his children:  Caroline Stevens (Mike McVey); Tammy Parker (Bruce); Janeen Mynes (Tim); Derrick Stevens;  Karla Soards (Tim);  Karisa Miller (Gary);  and Robert Fuller (Carrie).

The second blessing for Francis was his wonderful grandchildren, all thirteen of them.  They are:  Andrew Parker, Michael Parker, Jonathan Parker, Mariah Mynes-Kelley, Heather Mynes/Smith, Cade Mynes, Eric Mynes, Jordan Soards, Trey Soards, Mackenzie Harover, Alaina Harover, Eli Fuller and Molly Fuller. 

Another blessing of Francis’s life was his wife, Saundra.  They married in March of 1991 and enjoyed 27 years together.   Their life was full of adventure as they enjoyed skiing, backpacking, and several canoe trips in the boundary waters.   Another important part of their life was family.

Francis was a member of the West Union United Methodist church where he attended regularly.   He was a loving, kind, patient and gentle Christian who loved God most of all.   He truly maintained his love of people and was always willing to help in any way he could.

Francis was called home to be with his blessed Savior on July 10, 2018.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Helena Stevens; his brothers and their spouses:  Harold (Ethel) and Paul Stevens; his sisters:  Julia Perry (Ken); and Erma Mordott (Jim). 

He leaves behind his wife, Saundra and his children Caroline, Tammy, Janeen, Derrick, Karla, Karisa and Rob, along with his nephews Kenny Perry, Brian Stevens, Shawn Stevens and Wayne Stevens. 

Francis enjoyed his life, loved his children, and most loved his Lord and Savior.  He leaves behind a wonderful legacy in how he lived his life.   He surely will be missed by all.   We know that he is enjoying all that heaven has to offer!

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 13, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. at the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home with Danny Welch & Alan Bolte officiating.  Military Services will be held by the Adams County Honor Guard at 7:00 P.M.  Visitation will be held the day of services from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Following the services there will be fellowship, remembrance and food at the Adams County Christian School.

Memorials can be made to the Adams County Hospital Foundation & Gideons International.

Family and friends can sign Mr. Stevens online guestbook @www.meekerfuneralhomes.com

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