Willard Clark Stearns

Willard Clark "Bill" Stearns, 75, of Mansfield, husband of Billie (Taylor) Sandstrom Stearns, died Monday September 1, 2003 at the Windham Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born June 12, 1928 in Willimantic, the son of the late Willard J. and Frances (Crane) Stearns and had lived in Mansfield all his life. He was a 1946 graduate of Windham High School, a charter member of the Mansfield Community Club and a life member of First Church of Christ, Congregational in Mansfield Center. Mr. Stearns was president of Mountain Dairy in Mansfield and active in numerous agricultural organizations. He served as a member of the board of directors at both the county and state levels of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, was a former president of the New England Producers and Handlers Association, a member of the Governor?s Council for Agricultural Development and a member of the Open Space and Agriculture Committee for the Town of Mansfield. He also served on the Mansfield Board of Tax Appeals and for many years on the board of directors for the Card Home for the Aged in Willimantic, retiring in 2001. Mr. Stearns was a true country gentleman who enjoyed collecting Model T's as a member of the Four Seasons Model T Association. In addition to his wife of nearly 55 years he is survived by 4 children and their spouses, David C. Stearns of Mansfield, James W. and Katherine (Friedrich) Stearns also of Mansfield, Barbara and Leo Leary of Columbia, Ellen and Dennis Charney of Phoenix, Arizona, a daughter-in-law, Cynthia (King) Stearns of Mansfield, a sister, Althea Ward and her husband Clifford of Mansfield, a brother, Arthur Stearns and his wife Kathleen of Mansfield, a sister-in-law, Marion Stearns of Scotland, 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Cynthia B. Leary and a brother, Luther Stearns. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. , Rte. 195, Willimantic on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, Rte. 195 at Rte. 89, Mansfield Center. Burial will be private in the Mansfield Center Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 238 West Town St., Norwich, CT 06360 or to the Card Home for the Aged, 154 Pleasant St. Willimantic, CT 06226 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.