John Robert Stevens, 79, of Columbia City, died Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born February 12, 1937 in Niagara Falls, New York a son of the late Earl R. and Margaret (Watts) Stevens. His formative years were spent in Niagara Falls where he graduated from LaSalle High School in 1955. He had the honor of being a member of the first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy in 1959.

He became a pilot for the Air Force and flew a KC135 for three tours during the Vietnam War.

On April 14, 1963 he was united in marriage to Carol Agnes Manfred. They made their home at McGuire AFB in New Jersey and then Mather AFB in Sacramento, Calif.

Following his honorable discharge in 1967 from the Air Force, he pursued a career with aircraft parts manufacturers. The couple moved to Rochester, N.Y., Pottsville, Pa., Alma, Mich. and finally Fredericksburg, Va. where he took a position with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC. After his retirement in 2004, the couple moved to Columbia City to be closer to their children.

He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He served on the Board of Directors for Whitley Crossings Neighborhood Corporation.

Being a retired pilot, he kept his interest in aviation by staying abreast of new developments and technology. He loved to read and was a devoted Christian. He cherished his time with his grandchildren. John had a servant’s heart. Always willing to help, he often assisted members of the Church with needed projects in their home and worked on maintenance projects at church camps. An outstanding cook, everything he touched tasted better.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; a son, John (Judy) Stevens, Richmond, Va; daughters: Heather (Chris) Brown, Fort Wayne; and Dawn (Matt) Boyd, Columbia City; grandchildren: Lauren Baber, Sarah, Emily and Jenna Stevens, Caroline, Matthew, Rebecca, and Steven Boyd; step grandchildren: Timothy and Kayla Vadasz; and a sister, Lynn (Paul) Sheldon, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

He was preceded in death by a brother, David R. Stevens.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in the Green Hill Cemetery with military honors presented by the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.