Joseph M. Alberg, 33, of Cumberland passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at his home.

He was the beloved son of Philip and Mary (Dunbar) Alberg and brother of Timothy Alberg of Warwick, Matthew Alberg of Warwick, Elizabeth, and Katherine Alberg, both of Cumberland.

Born in Providence, he was a 2006 Graduate of Cumberland High School and a member of the Cumberland High School Band, the Jazz Band, and Chorus and Clef Singers.

Following graduation, he attended the University of Rhode Island where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. During his college career, Joseph was a member of the URI Concert Choir, Marching Band, and Wind Symphony.

Joe was an Elementary Music Teacher for the Cumberland School Department where he was beloved by the students and faculties at Ashton and Cumberland Hill Schools. He was a member of the American Band of East Providence for several years.

In addition to his parents, and siblings, he leaves his maternal grandmother, Josephine Dunbar of Cumberland; his paternal grandmother, Rebecca Alberg of Pawtucket; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Joe’s Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Monday, July 12, 2021, from 5 to 8 pm, and continue on Tuesday, July 13 2021 at 9 am in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am in the St. Aidan Church, 1460 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland.  Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Cumberland High School Band, Attn: Band Director, 2600 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864.

Robert Eugene Steichen died peacefully surrounded by loving family March 3, 2021. He was 94 years young having lived a life filled with farming, music, an infectiously positive outlook on the world, unparalleled ethics and a real belief in the absolute goodness of every individual.

Bob was born at Sunny Slope Farm, eight miles north of Perry, on November 21, 1926. The third child of John and Maude (Schiltz) Steichen, he walked to Sunny Slope School for his first eight years. He graduated from Perry High School in 1944 where he played trombone in the band, serving as band president his senior year. He was a member of National Honor Society. As a 4-H club member, he showed sheep and pigs, and boarded his first train to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago. He and his sister, Mary Lou were popular entertainers at Perry events.

Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Bob attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) for one semester. With the world still engaged in World War II, he left school and served two years as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps – the precursor to today’s U.S. Air Force. He spent the majority of that time at Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base outside of San Francisco, frequently making trips into the city to experience the opera and symphony. He returned to A&M to complete his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1950. He spent weekends at the family farm in Perry, milking cows and hitchhiking back to Stillwater for school. He was a member of the trombone section at A&M. He accepted his first teaching position in Minco, Oklahoma, where he taught band and vocal music for three years.

When asked once about his greatest life accomplishment, he answered “convincing Margaret to marry me.” He and Margaret Beadle met at a 4-H party at Sunny Slope Farm and dated long distance while he was in Minco. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Oklahoma City on a hot August morning in 1952. Their honeymoon was a road trip to Taos, New Mexico, staying at cabins along the Rio Grande Valley – sleeping in twin beds.

Bob taught band and vocal music for five years in Waynoka, then moved to Tonkawa High School where he spent 11 years as band director and driver’s education instructor, later adding guidance counselor to his job responsibilities. He completed his Master of Science degree in Secondary Administration from OSU in 1954 and his Education Specialist degree in Counseling and Guidance from Arizona State University in 1967. Margaret would pack the six kids into a station wagon each summer as Bob worked on his advanced degree in Arizona. Bob became the director of counseling, and an instructor in music and psychology at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Tonkawa from 1969 until his retirement in 1990. While at NOC, he served as advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Bob was recognized by fellow colleagues as Oklahoma “Counselor of the Year”. He was a lifelong member of Oklahoma Music Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association.

He served as president of the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce and the Tonkawa Lions Club. He was a past commander of the Tonkawa American Legion and served on the Tonkawa City Council for eight years. He served as treasurer of the Blackwell-Tonkawa Airport board for 25 years. He was a committee chairman of the Boy Scouts of America and made a backpacking trek to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with his son, Kevin. He worked on establishing a senior citizen center and a recycling program in Tonkawa. The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Service Award and, along with wife Margaret, the Tonkawa Pride Award.

Bob lived his Catholic faith, serving on the parish council at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tonkawa, teaching Sunday school, conducting the Christmas choir, attending daily Mass and breakfast club at Mary’s. He and Margaret were Eucharistic Ministers and he acted as the faculty advisor for Catholic students at NOC.

He never stopped teaching. After retiring from NOC, he led the Tonkawa Leadership program for more than 18 years and taught “Character Counts” to 8th grade students at Tonkawa Mid-Hi where they learned life lessons from a passionate “grandfather” figure. He was a founding member of the North Central OK Arts Council.

He was never happier than when he was wearing overalls (winning the Farmer’s Tan Contest at Tonkawa’s July 4th celebration), driving the tractor or combine and sharing his love of farming with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He instilled in all of us a respect for the land, a love of growing things, his patience and his quiet and deep faith.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Margaret; two brothers, (John and Joe); and his sister, Mary Louise. He leaves behind a legacy of love: Jeanne (Steve) Friesen of Enid; Kevin (Erin) Steichen of Tulsa; Suzanne (Matt) McQuade of Yukon; Brenda (Don) Dobbs of Tulsa; Jerry of New York City; Barry (Christine) Steichen of Tulsa; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, so far.

He lived a life of exemplary kindness, belief in the innate goodness of every person and a genuine smile which will never be forgotten. His greatest wish: “Harmony and understanding among people, and accepting individual differences.” We love him so very much.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be a private family event. Please join us virtually via live stream Sunday, March 7, at 2:00pm. Link at www.troutfuneralhome.com.

Wendell Oscar Evanson, Henderson State University Professor of Music and Director of Bands Emeritus, passed away November 3, 2020, from natural causes.  He was born March 28, 1927, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, the son of Rev. Oscar Julian Evanson and Elizabeth Webb Evanson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Lydia Duckett Evanson, his daughter, Lori Christina Evanson Adams (John), son, Dr. Kirk Wendell Evanson (Lucy), grandson, Jonah Kirk Evanson, and granddaughter, Tess Carol Evanson.  He is also survived by nieces, Susie Wehrenberg, Mary Moon, and nephew, Ron Baker.

Professor Evanson attended the public schools of Kingfisher, OK, where he began study of the euphonium.  A Methodist preacher’s kid, he later moved to Muskogee, where he continued his involvement in band as a trombone player.  In 1942, Wendell entered high school in Sapulpa, where he excelled in band, sang in choir (his all state choir clinician was Robert Shaw), acted in school plays, and played basketball and football (much to his mother’s chagrin).  At his graduation ceremony in 1945, his father accepted his diploma, as Wendell had to report for basic training in the Army Air Force.

During the last months of World War II, Wendell worked as a cryptographer at Langley Air Force base.  He was discharged as a Cpl. in 1946, and with the GI bill he entered the University of Arkansas.  After a short tenure there, he transferred to Hendrix College, as a music major, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  His first high school teaching position was at Smackover, Arkansas, followed by Conway.

In 1958, Wendell Evanson became band director at Henderson State University, where he remained for 30 productive years. In 1967, he established the Henderson State Band Camp, which through the years helped train 1000’s of young wind and percussion players. His Henderson bands grew from 30 players in 1958 to over 100 players when he retired in 1987.  His Henderson Bands performed at the MENC regional music conference and the College Band Directors regional conference.

In 1993, Mr. Evanson became founding conductor of the Little Rock Wind Symphony, retiring from the position in 2005.

Through the years, Wendell remained close to his former students, and always encouraged and advised them in their professional careers.  He rejoiced in their successes always. He was honored by his peers as Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year (1980) and in 1983, he was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Wendell loved his family.  He treated his wife, Lydia, like a queen, always encouraging her in her career aspirations.  He waited a very long time for his children, Lori and Kirk, but was always a hands on type of Dad. They both understood they always had their Dad’s unwavering support and love.  When Kirk presented Lucy, to join the Evanson family, followed by Jonah and Tess, life was wonderful.  When Lori welcomed husband, John to the family, life was even more complete and the best ever.

Funeral Service will be 11:00AM Thursday, November 5, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Arkadelphia. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial to follow service at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Due to covid-19: face coverings and social distancing is required.

Dr. John Walter Stewart, born March 28, 1928, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3 in Montevallo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Isaac Stewart and Maude Carter Stewart, and his wife of 68 years, Lauris Mattina Stewart.

He is survived by his sister, Wanda S. Stewart and three children, John Walter Stewart, Jr., (Kathy), Glenn Alan Stewart (Kelly) and Kevin Floyd Stewart; grandchildren, Kristen Stewart Gannon (Brad), Mary Ann Stewart Holt (David), Michael Alan Stewart, (Leslie), and Laura Meghan Stewart; and five great grandchildren, Mary Isabel Gannon, Ellis Bradford Gannon, Abigail June Gannon, Benjamin Isaac Gannon, and Lukas Bane Stewart.

Dr. Stewart grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, graduating from Biloxi High School in 1946 and Louisiana State University in 1951 and 1952 where he received a BME and MME in Music. He enlisted in the Army from 1952-1954 where he served as conductor of the 4th Army Band’s weekly radio broadcast. Following his military service, he earned his Ed.D from Florida State University in 1961, doing subsequent post-doctoral study in Music Administration at Eastman School of Music in 1967.

Dr. Stewart was appointed associate professor of music at Alabama College in 1961, and in 1963 became chairman of the Music Department. He established the first wind ensemble on campus. In 1972 he was given oversight of the planning and construction of the new music building, now Davis Hall. He was a frequent performer on saxophone and clarinet in department faculty recitals. He was also saxophone soloist with the Birmingham Symphony, clarinetist and guest conductor of the Alabama Pops Orchestra, and conductor of numerous operas and musicals on UM campus. When the College of Fine Arts was created at the University of Montevallo in 1972, Dr. Stewart was named dean.

In 1988, he was named interim president of the university, then president, a position which he held until his retirement in 1992. He counted among the useful accomplishments during that period the restoration of mutual trust and a spirit of collegiality on campus and the construction of the Stewart Student Retreat Center and a Mass Communications Building.

Throughout his career, he was active in numerous professional, educational, and honor organizations. He was on the Board of Directors for Alabama Symphony, Alabama Pops Orchestra, State of Alabama Ballet, and Southern Regional Opera. He was president of the Alabama Association of Music Education Specialists. He was chairman of Alabama Association of College Music Administrators, Alabama Chapter of National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and the Art and Humanities Council of Shelby County Board of Directors. Among his academic society affiliations are Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Mu Alpha, Pi Kappa Lambda and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Dr. Stewart was a long-time member of Montevallo First United Methodist Church where he served many years as choir director. He was also a Master Mason in Lodge Central 70 in Montevallo.

After retirement, John and Lauris sailed their Pearson sloop, “Lauris”, to the Bahamas each fall, and returned in the spring, realizing a longtime dream of sea travel in a small boat.

A family graveside service was at Montevallo Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. A memorial service will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lauris and John Stewart Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Montevallo.

Mr. Hayes Gipson is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. During his tenure as a student, he played Clarinet and Oboe in the University Band under the Leadership of the Late Mr. Russell Boone who passed away earlier this year. Mr. Gipson along with 16 other bandsmen, Mr. Boone and University President Dr, James H. White and two other faculty members, were installed as charter members of the Delta Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi on May 5, 1962. The Delta Pi Chapter along with the Gamma Eta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, was the first fraternal organizations to be established on the campus. After graduation, Mr. Gipson served as a teacher, coach and administrator with the Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana for 29 years. He was also President of the National Educators Association. He also served 10 years with the Dallas ISD in Texas. He also served as a consultant and travel agent for the Dallas Metroplex area. He later became a member of the Delta Pi Alumni Association where he was recently honored with the DPAA Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to bands and education. Mr. Hayes passed away on November 3, 2020.

Paul Gerard Chambers was born to Walterlee Chambers, née Whitehead, and Otis Chambers Sr. on September 19, 1961, in Houston, Texas. After the passing of his mother, Walterlee, Paul was reared by his aunt Rosalie Diamond-Mitchell. Paul grew up as a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Sunlight Baptist Church. Paul attended Pleasant Elementary, E.O. Smith Jr. High, and Phillis Wheatley High School.

Paul had a great love and appreciation for music. All types of music. He enjoyed being a part of the jazz, concert, and marching bands at all the schools he attended. Paul went on to attend Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) “The Hill” in Prairie View, Texas, where he was a member and selection leader of the mellophone section. Paul, aka “Mighty Mouse,” pledged Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, and majored in Communications. Paul served as Secretary for the chapter during his years at PVAMU.

Paul married his long time friend and love of his life Violet Barbers in 1988, and to this union was born Emerald and D’Juan. Paul loved his children and worked hard to provide for them. Paul was employed with KLAS Channel 8 CBS news in Las Vegas, Nevada as a cameraman for 15 years, making many friends and leaving a great impression. After the passing of his beloved wife, Violet, Paul moved back to Houston, Texas, and Emerald and D’Juan soon joined him. Paul loved music and people. He made you feel welcomed and always had something funny to say. He enjoyed life, family, music, and friends.

Paul Chambers departed this life on September 2, 2020, reuniting with his mother Walterlee Whitehead Chambers, father Otis Chambers Sr., sister Brenda Joyce Chambers, brothers Floyd Chambers and Walter Edwards Chambers, and of course, his sweet wife, Violet.

Left to cherish his memory are his amazing children, daughter Emerald and son D’Juan Chambers, his loving sister Lavern Chambers and brother Otis Chambers, Jr., and two grandsons King and Prince Paul Thornhill.

Thomas Gaspar, age 72 of Rock Rapids, IA died Friday, December 7, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Jeff Schleisman as celebrant.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

Visitation will be Monday, December 10, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

There will be a Vigil service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Tom grew up in Bridgewater, SD and attended SDSU. After serving in the military, Tom’s teaching career began in 1965 in Volga, SD. In 1970, Tom moved to Rock Rapids to become the band director at Central Lyon High School where his love for musical education continued though his retirement in 2002.

As the theater director at Central Lyon and as one of the founders of the River Valley Players, Tom directed and performed in over 150 musicals and plays, and countless concerts, parades, and football halftime shows. While teaching was his vocation, the musical theater was truly Tom’s passion and he continued to bring music to the community for more than 40 years, including his instrumental role in ensuring the development of the Forster Auditorium. However, Tom was always thought of as more than just the band director or musical director.

With a Masters degree in Guidance Counseling, he became a confidante to many students looking for direction and a listening ear during difficult times. Even with the delight that Tom received from music, helping and educating kids will always be of special importance to his teaching legacy.

Tom will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband and father but his true joy could be found when he became a grandfather. His grandchildren were always sitting with him in “Grandpa’s chair” and they were the voices that would lift his spirits with their laughter.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years, Judy; two children: Patrick Gaspar and his wife Jennifer of Waltham, MA, Kirsten Colt and her husband Brad of Elk Point, SD; one brother, Jerry (Olimpia) Gaspar of Punta Gorda, FL, two sisters Beverly (Tom) O’Connor of Lenexa, KS and Phyllis (Greg) Heineman of Sioux Falls, SD; and five grandchildren: Dylan, Jennica and Alicen Colt, and Owen and Emma Gaspar.

He was preceded in death by his parents.