Edward N Stiver

Dr. Edward N. Stiver April 8, 1916 – October 15, 2005 Dr. Edward N. Stiver died on Saturday morning at his home in Waco, Texas at the age of eighty-nine years. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at 11:00 am at the Seventh and James Baptist Church, following a private family burial at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the 11:00 Memorial Service at the Church. He and his wife of over 62 years, Jewell, made their home and raised their family in the modest surroundings of Athens Avenue. Dr. Stiver, or “Doc” as he was known in the cotton fields of Central Texas, was a dedicated agronomist, who continually sought better varieties of cotton, more efficient ways to control cotton insect pests, and new and innovative uses for cottonseed. He was devoted to his wife. He and Jewell looked after each other during the past few years as their health declined. He was a wonderful father, who guided three children through the tumultuous sixties, and who in later years was able to enjoy eight fine grandchildren. His faith was alive in his actions. He served others through his community involvement and his church. Meals on Wheels at Seventh and James Baptist Church was one of his favorite ways to serve others. He drew particular joy from his involvement in the men’s Sunday School class at Seventh. Edward N. Stiver was born April 8, 1916, to Noble C. Stiver and Bessie Howell Stiver, in Kokomo, Indiana. He grew up playing Indiana basketball and was active in the Boy Scouts for years. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a Latin scholar, and scored the highest ranking in statewide tests. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana with a degree in forrestry, he attended Duke University. His studies there were interrupted by his country’s call to duty. His Army training brought him to Camp Hood, where he met a young schoolteacher, Miss Jewell Witcher of Gatesville, Texas. They were married in April 1943. During the summer of 1944, Captain Stiver of the 3rd Army, Tank Destroyer Group, went ashore on Utah beach on the Normandy coast of France. For his actions in the war, he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry as well as the French Legion of Merit. In an attempt to protect his family from the horrors of World War II in Europe, he chose not to discuss his wartime experiences until he was over 80 years old. Edward Stiver returned home to Indiana after the war with his wife and new son, who had been born in June of 1944 while his father and thousands more American GI’s were preparing for the invasion. Like many veterans, went back to college. He received his Doctorate in Agronomy from Purdue University in February, 1949. Shortly thereafter, he and Jewell and their two sons left for Central Texas. After working for the USDA at the Blackland Experiment Station in Temple, Texas for two years, the family moved to Waco where they have remained for the past 50 years. His work at Rogers Delinted Cottonseed Company brought him into contact with some of the finest, “salt-of-the-earth” people anywhere, the Central Texas cotton farmers. He loved his work, being outdoors, and patiently developing and growing new and better varieties of cotton. Ed and Jewell watched their children grow and attend Waco public schools and then Austin College, Baylor, Stephen F. Austin and The University of Texas. Ed served as Deacon at Seventh and James Baptist Church for many years. He was an active member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club during his working career. He also served as president of the Texas Certified Seed Producers Association, and was active in other business and trade organizations. Ed Stiver was a member of our nation’s greatest generation. When called, he answered. Loyalty was taken for granted. He did not complain, nor during his life did he change jobs, homes, wives, or churches. He loved God, his wife and family, and his fellow man. He worked hard, had a beautiful yard, and eight of the finest grandchildren and two great grandchildren in the world. Granddad Stiver was particularly devoted to the special needs of his grandson Brian. Ed and Jewell taught their children the meaning of being truthful, the reward of hard work, an appreciation for knowledge, and a sense of responsibility for the betterment of others. He is survived by his wife, Jewell Witcher Stiver; and children Maury and Sharon Stiver, David and Ola Stiver, and Margaret Pate; and grandchildren, Leslie and James Rice, John Stiver, Rachel Stiver, Margaret and Doug Richardson, Martha and Weldon Russell, Ruth Stiver, Sarah and Ty Keeling, and Brian Pate; and great grandchildren, Megan and Hudson Rice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Seventh and James Baptist Church Meals on Wheels Program, Caritas, or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey