David Hunt Steven

David Hunt Steven was born on January 9, 1950, in Palestine, Illinois. Several days later, he was adopted by S. J. Steven and Dr. Mary Steven, née Hunt, and brought to his childhood home in Brookfield, Illinois.

After high school, David enlisted in the military and ultimately served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces, a Green Beret. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. When he returned home, he traveled the country before enrolling at the University of Illinois Chicago.

David spent most of his career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer and police defensive tactics instructor. He loved teaching and took great pride in helping officers use force judiciously, keeping both officers and the people they encountered as safe as possible. When former students told him his training helped them return home after a difficult shift, it touched his heart and affirmed his purpose.

David was married twice, first to Carol Leigh Roblee. His second marriage was to Deborah Alice Bowen on December 18, 1983, at Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois. They remained married until David’s death on July 15, 2026, in Orleans, Massachusetts. David is also survived by five of Deborah’s cousins and their families, who warmly welcomed him into the Bowen/Hoak family. He deeply appreciated their love and support. Over the years, David and Deb also gathered chosen family who were just as important to him: the Dolan family, including a niece and nephew, and the Marvan family, including two nephews.

Interment will be private. If you wish, please make a donation to a cause that is meaningful to you.