Benefactors of Occidental College : Stearns Brothers, Francis, Theodore, Die Day Apart

Two brothers who graduated in the same class at Occidental College seven decades ago, fought in World War I and then spent most of the remainder of their lives together have died within hours of each other.

Francis Ardell Stearns was 91 and died in Santa Barbara on Monday. Theodore Le Grand Stearns was 93 and died Tuesday morning in Claremont.

Both men--natives of Los Angeles--suffered heart attacks.

With their late brother, J. Valnor Morton Stearns who died in 1979, they were responsible for many gifts over the years to Occidental, the most recent a dormitory named for them and dedicated in 1983.

Richard Galbraith, retired director of endowment development at Occidental, said the dormitory cost $2.75 million and was only the latest gift from the brothers. Others involved scholarships that are ongoing through various trusts.

Francis, who after graduation learned to fly at North Island in San Diego and piloted Jennys during World War I, was a citrus grower who turned to real estate and home construction in the Corona area.

Theodore, a field artillery captain in France, became an investor.

Francis Stearns is survived by his wife, Phillis; two daughters, Frances S. Mason and Marilyn S. Harter; a stepdaughter, Rosemary B. Simmons; a stepson, Bernard F. Bernheim; 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Theodore is survived by his wife, Ellen.