Clare E. Stevenson

Clare Edgar Stevenson, age 83, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Park Village Health Care Center at Dover. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories built on laughter, hard work, and love for family.

Born on March 19, 1942, in Beach City, Ohio, Clare was the son of the late John and Florence (Boose) Stevenson. He grew up surrounded by family, learning early the importance of dedication, kindness, and treating people with respect.

After high school graduation, Clare enlisted in the Ohio National Guard while beginning his work at Miller Studio and alongside his father at Stevenson Memorials, both in New Philadelphia. What started as a job soon became a lifelong purpose. Clare believed deeply in helping families honor their loved ones and approached his work not simply as a profession, but as a calling rooted in compassion and care.

As the third-generation owner and operator of Stevenson Memorials, a family business founded in 1928, Clare carried forward a legacy that meant the world to him. When he purchased the business from his father in 1986, he continued the tradition with pride and humility, creating lasting memorials that quietly told the stories of countless lives. Until his retirement in 2013, he remained devoted to serving others, always valuing the relationships he built along the way.

Those who knew Clare will remember his sense of humor, warm smile, and generosity. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures — bowling, playing bingo, occasional trips to the casino and frequent visits to his favorite breakfast spot, Dee’s Restaurant — but nothing brought him greater happiness than time spent with family, friends, and the conversations and laughter they shared.

Clare was a man of faith, holding membership at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bolivar and The Foursquare Church of Dennison.

He is survived by his sister, Harlene (Paul, deceased) Reidenbach, his brother-in-law, Jim Levengood, several cousins, his wife Christine Andrews Stevenson, and his children from his previous marriage to Christine Seibold: Lindsay (Stella) Stevenson of Galena and Courtney (Troy) Septer of Dover. He is also remembered by his stepchildren, Matt (Sarah) Henry of Strasburg, and Megan (Zeb) Music of Dayton; sisters-in-law Brenda (Tom, deceased) Eakin and Claudia (deceased) Dr. Dale Duerr; as well as twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who will carry forward his stories, his humor, and his love.

In addition to his parents, Clare was preceded in death by three siblings: his sisters, Rhonda Lou (infant), Linda Levengood, and his brother, John L. Stevenson.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Toland-Herzig Funeral Home. A ceremony will be announced at a later date, with burial to follow at Dover Burial Park.

Though he may be gone from our sight, Clare’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the memories he helped preserve for others, and the love he shared so freely with those around him.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Clare’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, St. John United Church of Christ, 409 Park Ave SE, Bolivar, Ohio 44612, or Dennison Foursquare Church, 7325 US-250, Dennison, Ohio 44621.