Steven Charles Whisennand

Palo Verde Valley Times: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Savior Jesus Christ wrapped his loving arms around Steven Charles Whisennand, 58, and carried him home Nov. 9, 2009 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev., where he was receiving treatment for a short while. He eventually succumbed to a brain hemorrhage.

Steve was born Oct. 7, 1951 in Elkhart, Kan., the eldest of two sons born to Roy Whisennand and Georgia Foster Whisennand. The family resided in a small town just across the border in Keyes, Okla.

Stevie and his parents moved to Blythe Nov. 11, 1953 at the age of two. His parents divorced in 1959 and he and his younger brother Danny continued to reside in Blythe with their mother where they attended local schools. Steve's mother remarried in 1961 to Loyied "Cotton" Levy who raised and loved Steve and Danny as his own as their relationship with their father was estranged.

Steve and family moved in and out of Blythe during his younger years, but eventually settled in the valley where he attended and graduated from Palo Verde High in 1969. Steve attended college for a short time in Susanville, Calif. before returning to work in the family business.

Steve married Jacquelyn Williams on Sept. 14, 1974 in Las Vegas. Together they raised five children, whom he loved dearly. Steve spent most of his employment as an over-the-road truck driver and moved his family to Glendale, Ariz. in 1982 for a new job. Steve and his family moved in and out of the valley until returning in 1997 in order to be closer to family. Steve was employed by Passmore Gas for the past ten years as a driver so he could be home with his family more often.

Steve gave his life to the Lord in 1997 and he and his family were members of the Assembly of God Church here in Blythe.

Steve dearly loved the desert whether he was scouting for mines, target shooting, or hunting for quail. He had a great passion for studying his Bible; playing his guitar; guns; fast cars; and he loved to explore history. He will forever be remembered for his wit and humor; his stubbornness and pride; his crooked smile and hearty laugh, for his rhythm-less tone-deaf musical stylus with which he would so often serenade us; for his honor; his charm; values and strength. But most of all - for just being him. He will be deeply, deeply missed.

Steve is survived by those who still and will always love him, his wife of 35 years Jackie Whisennand; his mother Georgia Foster Levy; his sisters and brother-in-laws, Terri Leghezza and Phillip, Cindi Levy Wyatt and Ray; his children and son-in-laws, Amanda Whisennand Henry and Brian, Jessica Whisennand Hill, Erica Whisennand McKean, Jeremy Whisennand, Marci Whisennand Devorkin and Dustin; his grandchildren Amy, Kaitlyn, Buddy, Nathan, Jeremy, Austin, Lily and soon to arrive Dexter; his father-in-law Ray Williams, brother-in-laws, Allen Williams and Tina, and Joe Williams; sister-in-law, Sharon Williams Shipley and Robert; aunts and uncle, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

Steven was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Whisennand (Calif. 1972); his step-dad, Cotton Levy (Calif. 2004); grandfather, Jack Foster (Calif. 2004); grandmother, Melva Barker Foster (Ariz. 1959); father, Roy Whisennand (Okla. 1988); grandfather, Henry Whisennand (Okla. 1960); grandmother, Melinda Devault Whisennand (Okla. 1922); and his mother-in-law, Lillie Williams (Texas 2001).

Visitation for Steven will be held Nov. 19, 2009 at Frye Chapel. Funeral services will be held Nov. 20, 2009 at the Assembly of God Church, 140 S. Willow, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Palo Verde Cemetery.

Whisennand, Danny -- Steven's brother

Obituary courtesy: Diane (Taylor) Mitchell - findagrave.com