ELKHART -- William E. Stevens, 49, of Elkhart died at 7:17 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 28, 2010) at his home.

He was born Sept. 5, 1960, in Bellfountaine, Ohio, to Omar and Mary (Toby) Stevens. On Aug. 8, 1995, he married Sandra J. Dowdy.

She survives along with his mother; two stepsons, January A. Jackson and Darrel J.D. Jackson, both of Bellfountaine; one sister, Teresa (Chuck) Cunningham of Bellfountaine; and four brothers, Ray Stevens and Johnnie (Cheri) Stevens, both of Bellfountaine, Robert Stevens of Huntsville, Ohio, and Mark (Paul) Stevens of West Mansfield, Ohio.

Mr. Stevens served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Hawaii, Japan and Okinawa as a lance corporal. He was mechanically self-taught and was self-employed. He worked several jobs over the years, including tool and die pattern maker, salvage yard operator and maintenance man for several area manufacturers. He enjoyed making and repairing things, and writing poetry and was accomplished at making pictures using copper. His memberships included the Handyman's Club and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Friends may call one hour prior to the 4 p.m. funeral service on Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3415 Pleasant Plain Ave., Elkhart. Bishop Calvin Baker will officiate and military honors will be rendered by Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and the USMC Funeral Honor Guard. Cremation will follow.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans' Charitable Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.