Jeffrey Stevens

Jeff was 58 years old. He was born and raised in Altoona, PA, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He is the oldest of 3 sons. He has 2 younger brothers: Vince and Jason. His father was a member of the service. He traveled from state to state and to Germany for over a year as an Army brat.

“To succeed in life you need 3 things; a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone!”

After graduating from Altoona Area High School in 1986, Jeff attended Gleim Technical Institute. There he earned the certificate of Heavy Equipment Operator. He also obtained a Class A CDL license from Smith Transport Trucking Company. He worked in construction and drove tractor trailers. He was also a school bus driver.

He was married in 1994 (Kathy); divorced in 2009. He has 2 children: son Mitchell and daughter Alaina. He has been blessed with 7 grandchildren (6 granddaughters: Mariah, Madelynn, Myla, Makenna, Stella, and Maylie and 1 grandson: Ryan). He considered all of these children to be the biggest blessings of his lifetime.

Jeff Was a large stature man. His heart was as large as his stature. Although, he could be very stubborn at times; he was very kind and caring. His voice was deep and VERY Intimidating. The children knew when they were in trouble, but they also knew the voice of this man was the one that would protect them. Jeff did not have an easy life. After a very abusive childhood, He spent much time and effort in counseling learning not to immediately move to anger during tough times. Mitchell will miss Jeff’s advice in helping him to navigate through life’s difficult moments (the dark times). Alaina and Jeff’s cue word is MAGOO; they used it when they thought the other one was doing something stupid. It is their word. Alaina is grateful for the support and guidance that Jeff provided during her unexpected pregnancy and early days with her daughter. He was elated to be the first person to learn that Stella would be a girl.

Jeff had a great sense of humor; he loved practical jokes and pranks. He loved deeply. He not only fathered his own 2 children; he was a father figure to his daughter-in-law (Jaslyn) and his niece (Amanda). He loved to hunt, fish, and ride his motorcycle. Some of the things that his children will miss about him/with him are his bigger than life hugs and physical presence, his advice, compassion, fishing, watching scary movies, and family holiday meals that he prepared for them.

His grandchildren will miss the mickey mouse pancakes that he made for breakfast, fishing with him and walking his dog Briggs (his best buddy) to the creek, building Legos, and going for ice cream. He loved picking the babies up and throwing them into midair. His laugh combined with giggles of the babies is a sound we will miss.

Jeff was always helping someone, we as a family take solace in knowing that even though his life is ending, he will give life to someone else. Jeff was a larger-than-life figure to many. He will be dearly missed.