PERRYVILLE -- Carrel J. "C.J." Stearns, 74, of Perryville died Sunday, March 23, 1997, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 8, 1922, at Millersville, son of Charles J. and Marzella Statler Stearns. He and Marjorie Wilcox were married Aug. 24, 1941.

Stearns was co-owner/manager of Hutson Furniture in Sikeston and Perryville, retiring in 1985.

He was a member, elder and former deacon of First Presbyterian Church; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Barbara Levine and Judith Meyr of Dallas, Texas; two brothers, Leo Stearns of Rapid City, Ill., Lawrence Stearns of Jackson; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. today, and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 a.m.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Thomas Bass officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.