John Stevens

John Edmund Stevens, 66, passed away in his sleep on Friday March 21, 2014 at his home in Arlington, TX. He was born in Waco, TX on July 19, 1947 and grew up in Watauga. John graduated from Richland High School in 1965 and was drafted into the service in 1966. He chose to join the Navy and was based in Pearl Harbor. As a crew member of the destroyer USS Benjamin Stoddert DDG-22, he worked in the radar room as a fire control missile technician. The ship was deployed to WESTPAC, and he did two tours during the Vietnam War. Being based in Pearl Harbor, he developed a deep interest in Hawaii and its culture. He was looking forward to his trip to Hawaii this coming September for the ship’s 50th anniversary of its commissioning. John was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1972 on Pearl Harbor Day by his request.

John married his first wife in 1974 and later had his son, John Clifford, in 1977. In 1986, he married Jan and they had their daughter, Lauren, in 1990. John worked at UTA in the Engineering department for over 30 years but had many hobbies. Throughout his life, John had a passion for cars and racing. He also loved playing darts and was a former president of the Metroplex Dart Association. Another interest he had was traveling with his wife, Jan. Being from England, Jan loved showing John the English culture. His favorite part about going to England was going to the pub and having a pint with their English friends. At home, he loved taking care of his cats. Wherever he went, he and cats would find each other like magnets. He was truly heartbroken when his favorite cat died just days before him himself passed away.

Although too short, John lived a very full life. He was survived by his wife Jan, his daughter Lauren, his son John Clifford, his brother Burch, his grandson Oliver, and many other friends and family members.