Earl Craig Stevens

Earl Craig Stevens, 75 of Frederick, died Friday, August 29, 2025 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 16, 1950 in Beardstown, the son of Howard Dale and Virginia Maxine Reed Stevens. He married Vickey Hageman on March 25, 1988 and she survives in Frederick.

He is also survived by five children Jon Stevens (wife Cassie) of Zionsville, IN, Mark Stevens (wife Wendy) of Rushville, Kristin Sumners (husband Ted) Salado, TX, Robert Pherigo (wife Brenna) Mt. Sterling, and Paige Charles (husband Robert) of Havana; nearly 30 foster children; 8 grandchildren Lily, Erin, Haley, Braydon, Emma, Ruby, Millie, and Avery; two great grandsons; a sister Susan Johnson of Rushville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Dana Dale Stevens (surviving wife Diane).

He graduated from Beardstown High School in 1968 and served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. He was a devoted VFW member and played in the Scottish Rites Pipe Band. Many knew him as a local mailman in Beardstown until his retirement in 2005. He owned the Cafe from Yesterday with his wife Vickey, which started as a catering business and later turned into a restaurant that served over 400 people on its final day. In his free time, he hunted quail, rabbits, and squirrels, fished, and raised hogs, chickens, and goats. He took pride in the cabin he built with the help of friends and family on their property behind their home and was a talented artist who sold many drawings and paintings. He had a passion for music and could play not only the bagpipes but the banjo and harmonica too.

Above all, he loved and served Jesus. At the age of 10, he sang on street corners while his father preached. He belonged to First Southern Baptist Church and served as song leader, Sunday School teacher, Youth Group leader, fill-in preacher, choir member, and ordained minister. Sharing his faith was central to his life, and he gave his family the chance to follow Christ through his strong faith and example.

The family will meet with friends Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 10 AM-12 PM at the First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown. A celebration of life will follow immediately with Pastor Daryl Vermillion officiating. Burial will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Messerer Cemetery in Frederick. Military Honors will be conducted by Guthrie Pierce VFW Post #1239 of Beardstown. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to the Baptist Children's Home. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.