Herbert C. Stearns Jr.

Herbert Crossett Stearns Jr., 98, fell asleep in Christ at Vernon Advent Christian Homes in Vernon, VT where he and his wife of 70 years, Derrie Nichols Stearns, spent their final years.

As a proud and longtime native of New Hampshire, Herbert was born in Manchester to Reverend Herbert Crossett Stearns and Elizabeth Patterson Stearns. He grew up in West Epping where his father was Pastor of the local Advent Christian Church. After the untimely passing of his father, Herbert and the older children helped Mother with their younger siblings, around the house and worked on a neighborhood farm. Those years instilled in Herbert a strong work ethic, faith in God and family devotion. Herbert was always more than willing to lend a helping hand to family or a friend in need.

 In 1943 Herbert joined the army, serving in France and Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1946. As a Purple Heart Veteran, Herbert participated in every Memorial Day parade since, proudly wearing his original Army uniform. He attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, Herbert began his career as as a mechanical engineer and later as a sales engineer at Improved Machinery in Nashua, NH, a division of Ingersoll Rand. 

 He met the lovely Rena Derrie Nichols at a church service when her father had a preaching engagement. They married in Nashua, NH in June of 1953. In 1960, when the family had grown to seven plus a dog, they moved to Amherst where they enjoyed the next 20 years. Herbert was creative and loved designing, planning and building. He loved big events and adventures and spending time at the Alton Bay Christian Campground on Lake Winnipesaukee, a longtime Stearns family tradition. His favorite cars were Peugeots and he purchased one in France which made for a special trip to Europe for the whole family. Herbert was on the Amherst School Board and was proud to be involved in the the planning and building of the Amherst Middle School. He was a devoted member of the Bethel Advent Christian Church in Manchester. He loved to sing and knew all of his favorite hymns and ballads by heart. In the 1960s he sang with the Souhegan Valley Men’s Chorus.

 Retiring early at age 55, he went back to UNH to earn his MBA, graduating in 1981. After Herbert’s graduation he and Derrie traveled around the U.S. with their La Strada camper trailer in tow, visiting family and seeing the sights. The next adventure was building a home of his own design; a unique post and beam in Wilton, NH where they spent the next 30 years. It was here where, as a devoted family man, Herbert and Derrie adopted and raised their grandson, Gregory. They attended the Good news Bible Church in Wilton. For several years during this time he worked as a Rural Route Carrier in Amherst, NH.

 Herbert is survived and loved by his children, Herbert C. Stearns III (Lori), James W. Stearns (Susan), Regina B. Stearns, Laura M. Johnson (Mark), Pamela J. Crafts (James), Gregory H. Stearns (Alycia), 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren as well as his beloved youngest sister, Naomi R. Stearns. 

 Herbert was truly blessed by God to live a long and happy life. The family is grateful for the care and attention given to him at Vernon Advent Christian Homes during his final days. 

 Herbert will have military honors, and a private interment will be held for both Herbert and Derrie at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Monday, September 9, 2024. A celebration of life will follow for family and friends.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center, https://altonbay.org/ or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), https//dav.org

Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or more information, please visit www.phaneuf.net.