Everett L. Stickles Sr., 86, of Portersville, Muddy Creek Township, passed away Saturday while surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 4, 1927, in Waynesburg, Pa., he was the son of the late Calvin and Genny (Dunson) Stickles.

Everett was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and had the pleasure of sharing this pastime with his children and grandchildren. His passion for gardening personified his admiration for nature's beauty. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades whose tireless work ethic was illustrated by his position at LTV Aliquippa Works. Everett was a source of joy, laughter and inspiration and this gift sustained him in his role as a devoted husband, father, pap and great-pap.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his four loving children, Franklin A. Stickles and his wife, Diane, of Aliquippa, Everett L. Stickles Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Aliquippa, Gerald E. Stickles and his wife, Ellen, of Harmony and Opal Darlene McCowin and her husband, Frank, of Harmony; his nine grandchildren, Jennifer Trone and her husband, Joseph, Joseph Stickles and his wife, Melissa, Jacki Stickles, William Stickles, Stacy Stickles, Shannon Hope Mick and her husband, Stephen, Melissa Opal McCowin and her fiance, Dustin Scott, Amy Jo McCowin and Frank McCowin Jr.; his 10 great-grandchildren, Joshua Trone, Jacob Trone, Tyler Stickles, Lindsay Stickles, Madison Ambrose, Kyle McCowin, Hayleigh McCowin, Tomiann McCowin, Jorja McCowin and Tyler McCowin; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He will be dearly missed by his loyal cat, Miss Opal, and his faithful dog, Leonard.

In addition to his parents, Everett was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Artie Blanche “Blanchie” Stickles, who he married on Oct. 8, 1948, and who passed away on April 23, 2007, and his six brothers, Ed, Willis, Kenny, Earl, Floyd and Allen Stickles.

Stickles — The family of Everett L. Stickles Sr., who passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, will welcome friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.A funeral ceremony will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Peter J. Everett officiating. He will be laid to rest at Pinewood Memorial Gardens in Cranberry Township.If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his honor in support of Horizons Hospice, 2549 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Stickles family at www.boylanfuneralhome.com