He was born September 1, 1950 in Yakima, WA to Orville W. Stevens, Sr. and Vierdena Mae (Jones) Stevens. He was raised and educated in Yakima, graduating from East Valley High School in 1969.
He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam, as a jet engine mechanic. He was stationed in Thailand, and was sent twice to Vietnam. He was very proud to have served his country, and was never seen without one of his Air Force hats. Following his service, he worked many years as a Yellow Cab driver and later as a cashier, until illness forced him to retire, a result of his exposure to Agent Orange. Because of this, he had many health issues, but none slowed him down or kept him from doing the things he liked to do. He didn’t dwell on his health or his problems; he focused on living life to the fullest.
Our brother loved many things in life, but nothing more than his family. So many people comment on how sweet and kind he is. He would do anything he could to help others, even playing taxi for friends who were not able to drive. He liked taking his dog “Baby” for a walk, or sitting in the park people watching.
His favorite things were the trips we took to Seaside, Oregon every year. He could spend hours sitting on a log, watching the water, the people, and the wonderful sunsets. He recently moved to Orchard Park, where he met so many new people, and always made friends easily. He enjoyed them all, but especially the “beanbag baseball,” and was looking forward to “whupping” the Ponderosa in the next tournament. A hobby he took joy in was collecting eagles in pictures, books, and figurines, and anything John Wayne. To some friends, he is known as Steve. To his family and old friends, he is known as Will. He is loved and is missed beyond words.
He is survived by his sisters: Nora (Ray) Holland and Susan Harter of Yakima; two brothers: Richard (Judy) Stevens of Albany, GA and Greg (Cathy) Stevens of Otis Orchards, WA; five nieces, eight nephews, six grand-nieces and nine grand-nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Orville Stevens and step-mother Mary Stevens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks, if you wish, to make donations to the American Diabetes Association in his name.
A service is scheduled for 11 AM Monday, November 4, 2019 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima.
To share a memory of Orville you may go to www.keithandkeith.com.
