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Gene Stephens, last member of WWII police corps, dies in Las Vegas

Updated August 18, 2018 - 9:37 pm

Veteran Gene Stephens had a few tips on how to lead a long life.

The Summerlin resident told a friend once that the key was drinking gin and playing cards. When he was a chipper 94-year-old, he said his extended life was because of “tender loving care.”

When he turned 100 this year, he told the Review-Journal his secret was exercise and rest.

Stephens’ long life came to a peaceful end at a local hospital early Thursday after his health declined. He was the last living member of the original Military Police Corps, a branch of the U.S. Army officially formed in 1941.

Leaving his mark

Rick Harne, executive director of the Military Police Regimental Association, described Stephens as a man with endless energy.

“I would say a hundred miles an hour would be a good description of him,” said Harne, who heard of Stephens’ death shortly after it happened on Thursday.

In 2016, Stephens received the association’s Order of Marechaussee award at the 75th anniversary of the military police’s formation. At the association’s ball, held in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, a general awarded Stephens the medals he received during his service in a ceremony that wasn’t performed in the ’40s.

Harne said he first met Stephens in 1994, when Stephens was initially invited to Fort Leonard Wood, where he would continue to attend the annual ball until his health prevented him from travelling.

“He flew in and ended up attending the ball, and believe it or not actually played in the golf tournament,” Harne said

When Stephens received the Order of Marechaussee award, he wore his original military police uniform that he would break out for Veteran’s Day and other special events.

“People were taking more pictures with him than the current leaders in the military,” Harne said. “He definitely left a mark for sure.”

Stephens wasn’t the type to brag about his service. He would share his stories with anyone, but would always ask what was happening in their lives, Biondo said.

When the motorcycle riders visited him in July, Stephens invited the strangers to his 101st birthday party.

“It’s an incredible story,” Biondo said. “Everybody hopes to have that story.”

Contact Katelyn Newberg at knewberg@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0240. Follow @k_newberg on Twitter.

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