Ronald E Stevens

Ron was born on May 20, 1933, in Danbury, CT to Howson E. Stevens, Sr. and Frances (Crouch) Stevens. His brothers, Howson Stevens, Jr. and Anthony Zanelli, predeceased him as well as sister Norma Morrison.

Ron is survived by his wife, Beverly. They met in 1988 'on the job' at Indian River Memorial Hospital and married into a blessed union in 1999. Ron is also survived by his half-brother, John (Marianne) Hopkins and Ron's two daughters, Debbie Wilson (Jim) and Dianne Stevens; four grandchildren: Nicole, Wesley (Darla), Amanda and Ryan; and great-grandchildren Ashley, Mattie, Mallory and Travis. Ron will forever be in their hearts as loving "Daddy” and "Grand Daddy." Many nephews and nieces are surviving Ron, and he was a light in their lives also. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Ron’s military service was short-lived – 2 yrs., 1 mo., 11 days – but what a history it was. An Army veteran who served in the Korean War, Cpl. Ronald served in the 14th regiment, 25th infantry, was a paratrooper, and fought on the front lines in the Punchbowl/Heartbreak Ridge as a light machine gunner. He was wounded and recovered in Walter Reed Hospital, Wash. D.C. Ron received the Purple Heart medal.

Ron had many interests and hobbies. He loved fishing, boats and all things on and under the water, including scuba diving. From his childhood in CT to late in life in FL and even Alaska, he fished in all types of rivers, lakes and oceans. His hunting skills were also one of his great joys, also in CT and TX. Some of Ron’s happiest moments were spent outdoors. Don’t put him behind a desk or you would find him daydreaming of “bagging the big one.” In CT, pilot Ron owned, in partnership, a Mooney airplane which he flew up and down the east coast. On a smaller scale, flying remote-controlled model airplanes was a passion of Ron's. He built them, flew them, crashed some and with incredible craftsmanship, rebuilt them, only to fly again.

The ultimate “handyman,” an understated title, Ron could fix anything. He loved a challenge and stuck with a project until he figured it out, one way or another. From renovating houses and cars, to building his own workshop, he used his God-given talents throughout his life. Even as a young boy, he and his brother, Howson build a rowboat out of scrap wood to fish in one of the rivers in Fairfield County, CT. Did it really float? That story remains forever unknown. “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

The love of bringing a car back to life was in that bag of talents, also. Often under the hood of a car, van or truck, the last two cars Ron “resurrected” were a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle and his special 1977 Datsun 280Z, which now resides in the Daytona Beach area.

One of the highlights of Ron's life was traveling to Washington D.C. with the Space Coast Honor Flight in 2015, accompanied by a veteran who became a great friend.

Ron loved the Lord and his faith in Jesus remained until the end. He will be very missed and remembered forever. He loved his home in Vero Beach but now his new home in heaven. For eternity. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Donations of your choosing may be sent to the VNA Hospice, 920 37th Place, #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or any of the local Indian River County veterans organizations. A guest book is available online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/florida/fort-pierce/aycock-funeral-home/4925

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12