Sherman Hughey Stevens

March 1, 1937 to September 1, 2022

As a loud thunderstorm began, Sonny took his last breath, as if he was being called home, and the gates opened to welcome him as he drove up on his tractor ready for work.

Born March 1 1937, in Judsonia, Arkansas the sixth of seven born to Dewey and Nettie Stevens. The family lived in Arkansas until he was 5 years old when they moved to CA.

Sonny attended school in El Nido and Chowchilla where he graduated in 1955. Sonny, Jay Clay, Jerry Cooper, and Jim Stoops enlisted in the Navy on the buddy system. Sonny served as a storekeeper, stationed in San Diego and San Jose, CA. Following his honorable discharge in 1959 he returned to El Nido CA. Sonny began truck driving for California Corn Growers delivering corn to Frito-Lay in Los Angeles. He would talk about how he couldn’t eat regular Fritos from the store because he’d been spoiled with fresh ones off the line! In 1964, Sonny, Armon & Jay Clay decided to start farming together in El Nido. Sonny asked Armon’s wife, Mary Sue, to introduce him to her blonde friend. Mary Sue introduced Sonny to Ellen Chambers, the love of his life, at the Chowchilla Fair in 1964. They were engaged a short time later and the wedding date had to align with the next rain, due to Sonny’s farming schedule. The forecast for March 6, 1965, was for rain. Sonny, Ellen, Manuel, and Wanda Fagundes, headed out for Carson City, NV where the two were married.

Around 1966, Sonny met Steve Nutcher who recognized him as a smart mechanic, and as someone who understood the farming community. Sonny was asked to work at N & S Tractor and worked in several roles for the next 30 years. During that time Sonny & Ellen welcomed their daughter, DeAnna Lorraine in 1971, and in 1974 Gregory Todd was born to complete their family.

Sonny’s work ethic and need to keep busy lead him to a truck driving position at Boulders Unlimited. Following Boulders Unlimited, he moved onto Kirby MFG. He immediately felt like part of the family and you could hardly catch him without one of his beloved Kirby Mfg. hats. He recently received a new one from Ric Kirby in the mail and he had to wear it, even in bed. He was always so proud of Kirby’s and those hats! He ended his working career with Leonard and Justin Pareira of Hopeton driving silage trucks, he always looked forward to working with them.

Sonny had many hobbies over his lifetime, waterskiing, owning, and flying a plane with his brother Steve, many years as a member of a race car pit crew, NASCAR fan, tractors, riding ATVs, riding horses with Kameron his granddaughter, and restoring numerous vehicles, that include his favorite, the Ford Mustang. He also helped raise several 4H & FFA projects for his children, and grandchildren. He was a volunteer fireman in El Nido, a member of the Red Top El Nido Lions Club and served as President. He also volunteered for several years at Christian Life Center Church in the sound department. One other fun fact, he loved to be in charge of the family video camera.

It can be said by most that met or knew Sonny that he was humble, kind, honest, loved, admired, and beyond helpful. He was always willing to help anyone that needed it. Oh, but let’s not forget to mention he was a jokester, as such is a Stevens family trait!

In 2011 Sonny was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought this debilitating disease with all he had. Following the diagnosis, he continued work on projects for himself or helping someone else. One of the most recent projects was with his grandson Jacob, a Case Tractor. Jacob plans to continue to restore the tractor to honor Sonny.

In 2021, Sonny and Ellen moved to Texas with DeAnna and Justin.

Sonny’s determination and never give up attitude to keep moving forward is what kept him going in life.

Sonny leaves behind Ellen, his wife of 57 years, daughter, DeAnna Moore (Justin) all of Burleson, TX son Greg Stevens (Jana) Atwater, CA granddaughter Kameron Stevens (Sean), Truckee, CA grandsons Christopher Stevens and Jacob Flores (Hailee) Atwater, CA. Sisters Willorea ‘Billie’ Lewis, Fresno, CA and Susie Stevens, Atwater CA numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved dearly.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Nettie Stevens, his brothers Homer Stevens "H.D." (Marie), and Calvin Stevens "C.E" (Vera), and his sister Eloise Perryman (Ray).

Burial will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Friday, September 23rd at 10:30 am

32053 McCabe Rd. Santa Nella, CA 95322; Luncheon/Celebration of Life will be held at the Christian Life Center Church 650 E. Olive Ave. Merced, CA 95340 following the Graveside service approximately 12:30 pm.

Flowers can be sent to either location or

donations can be made to American Parkinson Disease Association at apdaparkinson.org in his memory.