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Raymond Stearns Obituary

CSM Ret. Raymond E. Stearns, 77, of Bedford, formerly of Colorado Springs, died at his residence in Bedford, IN on February 8, 2011. Born August 13, 1933 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of Jaison and Georgia (Skaggs) Stearns. He married Alice Jenkins on July 2, 1953 in Bedford and she survives. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 26, 1951 and retired on August 31, 1979 as a Command Sergeant Major after serving twenty-eight years during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired from the Colorado Dept. of Corrections in 1997. He attended Mitchell, IN Schools and attended the Salvation Army Church. He was a member of the D.A.V., American Legion and V.F.W. Survivors include his wife, Alice, of Bedford; three daughters, Terri Lea Stearns of Mitchell, Tammy Lynn Stearns of Pringle, SD and Tracy Louise Page of Bedford; three grandsons; three granddaughters; ten great grandchildren; three sisters; 5 brothers; two sons-in-law and their extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and four brothers. Funeral services will be February 13th at 11:00 am the Day & Carter Mortuary (www.daycarter.com). Burial will follow in the Mitchell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (www.cfsrf.org). The family of Sergeant Major Stearns would like to extend an open invitation to all military personnel who wish to honor him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Feb. 10, 2011.

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Tammy Stearns

February 16, 2011

Rise and Shine!

Going Home

Tammy Stearns

February 15, 2011

Our beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather, Friend and Mentor, you are already missed more than words can express. Thank you for giving us a life which included Colorado and adding more friends, military families and a never-ending open door policy, paving the way for new family members to join our already treasured family. You have touched the lives of many throughout the world, made us proud to be Americans by chance and by choice. You remain a stranger to no one and your spirit will remain with us throughout all eternity. There will never be a day that we don't acknowledge your personal sacrifice to provide for all of us. You are the best man I know, but above and beyond your call to duty, we are forever grateful that we call you Daddy. Keep on the sunny side and we'll never say goodbye-Don't forget to remember-me. Mitake Oyasin-All My Relations. Love, #2 Daughter, Tammy Lynn Stearns

Evelyn Smith

February 13, 2011

Alice and family, My love and sympathy goes out you for the loss of our longtime friend Ray. He and Jim should be having some great conversations right about now. How ironic that the paper ran their obituaries beside one another, friends to the end. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers...Evie

Belinda Cox

February 11, 2011

You were a great man. I will always remember you. My cousins thought the world of you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stearns Family. Love Belinda

Jessica Martin

February 10, 2011

You were the greatest man I have ever met. I will miss you with every breath Grandpa Ray. Love Jason, Jess, Christian, and Leighton

Heather Cox

February 10, 2011

Love you Grandpa. You are always with me and I it's a good feeling. Your spirit lives on and I will see you again in time. God Bless you and Our Family.

February 10, 2011

Alice, Terri, Tammy and Tracy,
I am so sorry for your loss, I have fond memories of your family and ours back in the Springs. You are all in our thoughts and prayers...Jeff & Donna Smith, Colorado Springs, CO

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