Batavia - Robert E. Stevens, Sr., 91, of Batavia, a Director of Human Services at V.A. Medical Center in Batavia until his retirement in 1978 after 32 years of service, died Monday, January 17, 2011at New York State Veteran's Home, in Batavia.
Mr. Stevens was born April 19, 1919 in Oakfield, a son of the late Henry Ellsworth and Nellie (Ott) Stevens.
He served in Europe during World War II with the Army’s 668 Field Artillery. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, was awarded the Bronze Star and received a letter of commendation for saving a child from drowning at Fort Hancock, NJ. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, American Legion, Glenn S. Loomis Post #332 where he was a board member, Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Veness - Strollo Post 1602, former St. Nicholas Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Elks Lodge and former member of the Stafford Country Club.
His wife, Janet P. "Jay" (Patterson) Stevens, died May 21, 2007.
Survivors include a son, Robert E. (Carol Lynn) Stevens, Jr. of Hamburg; 2 grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle) Stevens of Oregon and Eric (Amy) Stevens of Virginia; 2 great-grandchildren, Paterson Stevens and James Ellsworth Stevens, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was the brother of the late Harry and Fred Stevens.
Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia. Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 22, 2011 at St. James Episcopal Church. Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation, Serving Upstate New York, 15 Prince St., Rochester, NY 14607, St. James Episcopal Church, Tower of Faith Campaign, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.