Birth date: May 30, 1930 Death date: Dec 12, 2016
Donald Ray Stevens, 86, of Lakeland, Florida, died Monday, December 12, 2016, after a brief illness. Don was born May 30, 1930 in Grafton, West Virginia, one of six children of William and Minnie Mae Stevens. He grew up in Fairm Read Obituary
I have known Don for over 10 years he was always kind to me and always had a great attitude of life. There are not many people in this life that I look up to but he was one of them it was an honor to know him and be part of his life. I feel great sadness for his family but know that Don touched every life that he encountered. Don was always interested on how you were doing that is rare in the world that we are living. I have great memories of the time I spent with Don and he taught me alot on how to treat people. He will be missed but know this is not goodbye but see you later because now Don is in heaven with his wife and he is looking down on us rest in peace Don David Marchione
In the short time I've know Donald; I have nothing but fond memories of him. They say first impressions are lasting ones, and I'd say my first encounter with Donald showed me the kind of person he was. He was welcoming, kind, and had an upbeat and happy spirit. Donald also expressed the love and compassion he had for his family. I know he is in heaven now watching over all of you. I'll have a glass of sangria for you today Donald! RIP
Oh the memories Uncle Donald has left with us! Dad remembers as young boys when they were playing along the railroad tracks when a train came along. They thought they would hop the train. Uncle Donald ran along side and grabbed the bottom rung of the train ladder. But he couldn't pull himself up and was running out of land at the start of the trestle. He could no longer hold on as the trestle began and let go. Dad said as Uncle Don dropped, he turned a complete flip and landed hard on his bottom with his arms and hands splayed behind him. He broke an arm and Dad helped him up over the hill from the tracks and home. He layed on the couch in the front room and intended to tell no one. But the story soon came out and followed him all of his life.
Don and Rob can over one day to help me wire a hot tub motor, I of course couldn't find a screwdriver so Don said use his, well after we couldn't fix the motor I handed him back his tool to which he replied you keep it, you might need it again. I still have it and it may seem a trivial to some but it goes to show the kindness and generosity of this man. He will be missed.
I fondly remember Uncle Donald and how he was full of smiles and fun. We always had great family times together with aunts, uncles, and cousins in Fairmont, WV. Sending my love and sympathy. Cousin Beth
