AUGUSTA – Clysle Julius “C.J.” Stevens passed away in Surfside Beach, S.C. on Dec. 9, 2021 with his wife, Rita, by his side, one day after celebrating his 94th birthday. Clysle was born on Dec. 8, 1927 in Smithfield, Maine, the son of Earl Wade Stevens and Leanora May (Witham) Stevens. He graduated from Skowhegan High School and received a B.S. degree from Connecticut State Teachers College.

After seeing his first poem published in the Morning Sentinel at the age of 13, C. J. knew he wanted to become a writer. He published over 30 books, been published in hundreds of magazines, and the United States Library of Congress contains a special collection of his works. His books include poetry, biography, memoirs, translations, history, adventure, and animal behavior. He traveled extensively and lived in England, Ireland, Holland, Malta and Portugal. Several of his regional books on gold mining have achieved wide popularity and numerous reprints. He was a born storyteller of exceptional skills.

He was married to his Dutch wife Stella Rachel (Taschlicky) Stevens, on June 13, 1954, until her death on Sept. 11, 2011. He then married Rita Lachance on Sept. 22, 2012. During his short marriage of only 9 years to Rita, they traveled to 13 different countries in Europe – Italy and Ireland being their favorites.

Clysle proudly served as a medic in the U. S. Army during World War II from which he received an honorable discharge. He also did hotel management in well-known hotels such as Carvel Hall in Annapolis, Md., and the Sheraton Palace in San Francisco, where he engaged in many interesting conversations with movie stars and political figures. He was a communicant at St. Augustine Church of St. Michael Parish in Augusta.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Stella; and a son, John Wade Stevens. Survivors include his wife, Rita Lachance-Stevens of Augusta, Maine; a stepdaughter, Juanita Demello and her husband David of Bisbee, Ariz.; a brother, Bradford Stevens, and his wife Eva of Fayetteville, Tenn., a half-sister, Elaine Barrows and her husband Hyland from Oakland, Maine; cousins; a nephew, nieces; a granddaughter; great- grandchildren; friends; and a following of many readers.

A graveside service will be held at the Gould Cemetery, Village Rd, Smithfield, Maine, in the spring of 2022.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McMillan-Small Funeral Home, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine. Condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.plummerfh.com.

Friends and family who so choose may donate to the charity of their choice

Copy the Story Link