Obituary of Dr. Franklin Keith Stevens, 91

Dr. Frank K. Stevens, 91, of Bellefonte, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. Born Oct. 16, 1918, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Dr. Russell L. and Blanche Keith Stevens. On Dec. 9, 1944, he married Lorraine F. Campbell, who preceded him in death March 2, 2010.

He was a 1936 graduate of Bellefonte High School and a 1941 graduate of Dickenson College. In 1942, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in the medical department as a Pharmacist Mate. After serving at several hospitals in the Virginia area, he was assigned to a repair ship, the USS Samaro Hospital as a clinical lab technician in the 30 bed setting. This ship joined the Pacific Fleet where it ended in the Bay of Shanghai under the 101st Service Command. Shortly after that the war was over and he was honorably discharged on Nov. 26, 1945, as a Pharmacist Mate 1st Class. In the fall of 1946, he was enrolled in the first Post-War Class at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. After graduation in 1950, he joined his father, Dr. Russell Stevens in his dental practice in Bellefonte. At that same time his grandfather, Dr. Franklin Kirk Stevens, was also practicing dentistry in McConnellsburg, Pa., making three generations of practicing dentists. He was a practicing dentist in Bellefonte for 37 years until his retirement in 1987.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte. Over the years he actively served on many committees and as a lay speaker. He served as a director for six years on the board of the YMCA, serving as president for two years. He was a 50 year member of the Free & Accepted Mason's Lodge #268 of Bellefonte, and a 50 year member of the Williamsport Consistory AASR. Dr. Stevens was a life member of the Centre Dental Society, serving as president for one term; the PA Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

After his retirement, Frank enjoyed volunteering at the former Centre Community Hospital; currently Mount Nittany Medical Center, for five years mostly in the Emergency Department. He truly enjoyed being with the family, helping older friends, and following his grandchildren's many sporting events.

He is survived by his three daughters; Joyce S. (John) Irvin, of Madisonburg, Janis L. (Randy Greene) Stevens, of Bellefonte and Amy S. (John) Snook, of Howard; eight grandchildren; Stephanie (Philip) Nichols, Jessie Irvin, Staci (Ricky) Redman, Kristi (Travis) Price, Keith (Barbie) Stevens, Adam Snook, John (Lorraina) Snook, William Snook; eight great grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy (H. Russell) Knowlden, of Williamsport. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine C. Stevens and one granddaughter, Rebecca Irvin.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, 2010, from 7-9 p.m. at Wetzler Funeral Service Inc. in Bellefonte, and Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard St., Bellefonte.

A Masonic service will be held Friday at 9 p.m. following visitation at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 10:30 am, at the church with Pastor Sue Goetz officiating assisted by Reverend Alex Dyakiw. Burial will follow in Centre County Memorial Park in College Township, with Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard St., Bellefonte PA 16823.