'I met Mr. Stevens a few years ago when I saw him driving down the street and noticed his Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate. My son was with me in the car, he has an intense interest in WWII. I pointed out the license plate and told him that I was going to follow the vehicle. As we followed Mr. Stevens' car farther and farther along, my son grew more and more nervous. "Mom, do you think we should be doing this?" How often do you get an opportunity like this? "Absolutely!", I said. We followed Mr. Stevens through the security gate and into the parking lot of the apartment complex where he and his wife were living at the time.

'Family of Thad Stevens,

Although I did not have the chance to know Thad personally, I can tell you that his generosity in both life and death has touched hearts and helped others to breathe easier through their struggles. I'd like to thank you for extending his kindness to the San Antonio Food Bank, and to let you know that through the years his generous spirit has helped us serve nearly 42,000 meals to those most in need in our community.

We are saddened to hear of your loss, and grateful to know that he lived and served to make ours a better world to be part of. 

Thank you for sharing him with us. 

Ind/Mjr Gifts Manager, SAFB'

'Accept my deepest sympathy. I know how you feel. 
 Toni Botello 
 widow of Ray Botello'

'Our father had some very extraordinary traits. He had a great deal of courage, although he would say he did not, he was just doing what he had to do. He was very generous and compassionate and he cared about others. He believed strongly in gender equality as well as equality for all others disenfranchised by any form of discrimination. He was concerned that people had the food they needed as well as shelter and medical care and gave generously to assist in causes that promoted these services. Our father encouraged my brother and I to follow our ideals pursued through education. He loved his country and served in World War II, but his patriotism was not blind. He was practical, open, could laugh at himself and to the end as always was concerned about his impact on others. He loved our mother, as well as all of us unconditionally. What he gave us will continue to live as we will strive to pass on the compassion and the good that he gave to many. 
I will keep you in my heart and think of you often, particularly in the spring, when the air begins to warm and the grass turns from brown to green.'

'Although my family lived far from my Uncle Bud, and our reunions were few, my father always spoke of his brother with admiration - we knew our Uncle Bud was a man of integrity and kindness. I was fortunate to have experienced his kindness firsthand many years ago the first time I showed my paintings for sale to the public in San Antonio. It was an important evening for me and my Uncle Bud and Aunt Betty graciously attended the show. As the night wore on, I watched my artist friends sell many of their paintings, but mine had no takers and I was resigned to going home with no sales. As the show ended and I began to collect my work, I was overjoyed to suddenly see a "Sold" sign on one of my biggest still life canvases. There were congratulations from everyone and only later did I find out that my Uncle Bud and Aunt Betty had bought my painting. At a visit to their home several months later, I saw the painting hanging prominently, and my Uncle Bud said to me, "Well, Susan, we bought it because it's a beautiful painting! It looks good there, don't you think?"

'My Uncle Bud was a man I respected and loved. His kindnesses to me were many and I will dearly miss him. He had a practical and humorous outlook on life that helped me when my father, his brother, passed away. The grief we experienced at that time brought us closer together and I am grateful for that. 
Many years ago he recounted his experience at Pearl Harbor to my son for a school report and he told it in such a way that we felt we were there. He was proud of his service yet he had a profound respect for humanity. He loved my dad and the love was returned, they were two wonderful men. 
Bud made friends easily and loved to hear people's stories and opinions. He was fast friends with the driver who took him to his medical appointments and loved recounting their conversations. We talked on the phone and spent the whole time laughing. It's rare to know a person so open and kind.
Bud was a man of faith and believed that he would continue his journey after this life. Although I am sad to be without him, I know that he is welcomed in a better place because of the way he has lived his life with love, integrity and humor.'

'My Uncle Bud was a man I respected and loved. His kindnesses to me were many and I will dearly miss him. He had a practical and humorous outlook on life that helped me when my father, his brother, passed away. The grief we experienced at that time brought us closer together and I am grateful for that. 
Many years ago he recounted his experience at Pearl Harbor to my son for a school report and he told it in such a way that we felt we were there. He was proud of his service yet he had a profound respect for humanity. He loved my dad and the love was returned, they were two wonderful men. 
Bud made friends easily and loved to hear people's stories and opinions. He was fast friends with the driver who took him to his medical appointments and loved recounting their conversations. We talked on the phone and spent the whole time laughing. It's rare to know a person so open and kind. 
Bud was a man of faith and believed that he would continue his journey after this life. Although I am sad to be without him, I know that he is welcomed in a better place because of the way he has lived his life with love, integrity and humor.'

'We traveled many back road of Kentucky together and never had a cross word. A true gentelman. Never again will Joe plant a spring tomato without thinking of your joy at the arrival of a July surprise for Betty from his garden. We will sure miss our phone calls and long talks. 
Judy & Joe'

'I always believed that my dad would live forever. I am now convinced that he will be with us always through his legacy of Duty, Dignity and Fidelity.

OBITUARY

Thad S. Stevens

September 21, 1923 – May 14, 2008

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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