OBITUARY
Dennis Stevens
November 21, 1948 – March 14, 2013
Lt. Colonel Dennis William Stevens USAF (Ret.) passed into the hands of the Lord on March 14, 2013, at age 64. He was born in Portland, Oregon, to Howard and Gloria Stevens. During high school, he was an athlete and a scholar, excelling especially in baseball. He was First Team All State in Baseball and First Team Honorable Mention in Football. He also set a new high jump record for his high school. He attended Linfield College on athletic scholarships, covering much of his tuition with summer sailing trips to Hawaii and the Orient in the Merchant Marine. He was a pitcher on Linfield’s NAIA National Championship Baseball Team in 1971 and was later inducted into the Linfield Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration. During college, he met and later married Joyce Ann Greene, recently celebrating 40 years together. He entered the Air Force and was stationed at various locales in the Midwest, West Coast, and Pacific, supporting the Vietnam and Persian Gulf eras. Daughter April Christine was born in Okinawa, Japan, and son Matt William was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He concluded his career at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, after 32 years of service. He had a primary focus on faith and family, and especially enjoyed travel and athletic events. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Stevens, sisters Donna Lugibihl and Laurie Davis, brother David Stevens, wife Joyce Stevens, daughter April Zimmermann, son Matt Stevens, and granddaughter Alexa Zimmermann, as well as beloved nephews, nieces and family members across the U.S. and Canada. He was dearly loved and will be fondly remembered. A memorial service and brief reception will be held at Village Parkway Baptist Church on Thursday, March 28th at 10 AM. On Good Friday, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Ft. Sam Houston. Condolences may be offered online at www.sunsetnwfuneralhome.com Memorial donations may be made to Village Parkway Baptist Church – or to Baptist Children’s Home. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Services
- Funeral Service Thursday, March 28, 2013
REMEMBERING
Dennis Stevens
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RECEIVE UPDATESLaurie Mortenson
April 17, 2014
My sincerest sympathies to the Stevens Family. I worked for Dennis at March ARB, CA and he was the best boss ever. He supported my college endeavors and I now have my masters's in social work. I can remember his words..."what a goof!" he always made us laugh. We called him "master," because he knew how to put people in their place. Blessings to all of you. Laurie Mortenson, MSGT, USAFR
Rudy Lerma
April 17, 2014
Dear Joyce,my condolences on Dennis's passing, he was my boss at the 943rs TAG,March ARB. He will be greatly miss by everyone who knew him. My prayers are with you and your family.
Rudy Lerma MSgt, USAF ( Ret)
May 31, 2013
Joyce,
You don't know me from Adam, but I went to high school with Dennis (Big Daddy "D"). I haven't seen him since the day we graduated from high school but he has never passed from my memory.
Even in high school he stood out as a leader - quarterback, baseball pitcher, class president. He was focused, intelligent, close to a few, known and admired by many and made being on the honor roll look easy. He was a great dancer and had a style and way of being that was unlike any other.
It is a shock to those of us who knew him to hear of his passing - he who was so vibrant and full of life. I appreciate being able to see his life through the pictures you posted and it is good to know he found for himself a life-long love and created such a beautiful family.
It was an honor to know him and my hope is that these thoughts about him bring you joy.
Sha (Pat) Spady
Dotty Hanger
April 16, 2013
Dear Joyce, Matt, April, and Alexis-
We remember Dennis fondly and some good times we all had together. You have lost the strong head of your family and we wish you the strength he would have wanted for you. Love, Aunt Dotty and Uncle Dick Hanger
April 12, 2013
Joyce,
I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Gerald Foret
geraldforet@gmail.com
April 5, 2013
Dear Joyce
thought my email address would show up but did not........patkailua7@hotmail.com
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Pat
Don Hicks
April 4, 2013
Joyce - My deepest condolences on Dennis' passing! The two of you were always great friends to me at Linfield, and the news of Dennis' passing saddens me greatly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Don Hicks (Houston, TX)
Rusty Rae
April 3, 2013
Joyce and family --
My sincere condolences for the loss of Dennis. As you know he was a fraternity brother at Linfield and I had other good times with him as I served as the Sports Information Director at Linfield at the time that the team made its run to the national title.
Those were really good and fun times and I remember fondly time spent with Denny.
Sincerely,
Rusty Rae
Michael Smithey
April 3, 2013
It was an honor to have played baseball with Dennis at Linfield College. He was a critical part of our success and I am truly saddened by his passing. I greatly appreciate Dennis's service to our country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. It was my good fortune to have known Dennis.
Vince Doherty
April 3, 2013
I was on the baseball team of Dennis' at Linfield College and on the 1971 baseball team when he won the Championship and am sorry to hear of his passing. I wish my best to his family and friends. I thank Dennis for his service to his country.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, R.Ph.
April 2, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Michael Ratcliff
March 30, 2013
My condolences to you and your family during this time of loss. I have fond memories of working with Dennis at Lackland. We'll all miss him.
Cindy Holmes
March 30, 2013
My prayer is that you and your whole family find peace and comfort knowing that he is in God's hands and no longer suffering. You WILL see him again and what a glorious reunion that will be.
Marilyn Clark
March 29, 2013
Joyce: I am praying for you and your entire family after the passing of your wonderful husband. Blessings on all of you.
Sandra A. Soto
March 28, 2013
Joyce,
My condolences to you and your family at this time. May you find peace in the days to come and reflect on memories once shared.
Jennifer Ritchey
March 28, 2013
Wishing you all the peace that only God, family and friends can bring you at this time. So sorry for your loss. Love you so much.
Carolina Jimenez
March 27, 2013
Joyce,
May God's mantle of peace and grace cover you and your family and strengthen you to walk by faith in this time of transition.
Carolina Jiménez
kenneth Jones
March 26, 2013
To Joyce and all the family members we offer our condolences.Im going to miss my mail box and lawn conversation friend where we discussed everthing from family to world issues. We pray that God can get you all through this trying time. The bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:7 Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you. Always know that God said he will always be with you and he will never forsake you.Allow God to be your rock your, salvation, your refuge,your glory and your God
Kenneth and Theresa Jones San Antonio, TX
Kenneth Jones
March 26, 2013
To Joyce and all the family members we offer our condolences.Im going to miss my mail box and lawn conversation friend where we discussed everthing from family to world issues. We pray that God can get you all through this trying time. The bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:7 Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you. Always know that God said he will always be with you and he will never forsake you.Allow God to be your rock your, salvation, your refuge,your glory and your God
Kenneth and Theresa Jones San Antonio, TX
Daisy Whisenant
March 26, 2013
Dear Joyce, I'm so sorry, and offer my deepest sympathy. I pray that you and all Dennis' family will feel the comfort and peace that only God can give at this time.
March 26, 2013
Dear Joyce,
So sorry to hear of your loss.... I have thought about you many times over the years remembering the fun we had in college and regretting that we did not stay in touch, When time permits if you would like to email it would be nice to reconnect.
My warmest Aloha to you and your family
Pat Agee Arthur
John Harris
March 26, 2013
Joyce, We are soooo very sadened to hear of your loss. You and Dennis have always been such good friends and neighbors and we've always enjoyed your visits during the holidays. May you find peace knowing that he is free of any pains, in a much better place and we will all see him again in our lords home :-) May God continue to comfort you and give you strength during these difficult times. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family, and if there is Anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to call - 210-887-4309.
Love Always,
John, Sheema, Jonathan & Brandon Harris
Sandra Finch
March 25, 2013
Dearest Joyce ~ you are in my heart and thoughts. May all your memories bring peace to you and your family.
March 25, 2013
Joyce, Matt, April and Alexis - We remember so many wonderful things about Dennis, those things we will always keep in our hearts. And we want to be closer to you all. Dotty and Dick Hanger
Bumble Bee Flowers
March 24, 2013
Thoughts & prayers for peace and comfort to the family at this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace. From Bumble Bee Flowers Family & Staff.
Faye Hagerty
March 23, 2013
Joyce, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Your faith and the love of your family and friends will be your comfort in this very difficult time.
Marlene Meola
March 23, 2013
Dear Sweet Joyce
I was so shocked to hear about Dennis passing. I called you as soon as I found out today. My heartfelt condolences to you my wonderful friend. As the day went on I remembered some things about Dennis that I thought would make you smile . . .
He was a wonderful mentor to Matt. . . ok maybe a little overly enthusiastic at times . . . during those many baseball and football games. I think I remember something about not being allowed to coach . . . but, mentor he did. I even remember attending one or two of Matt's games . . . me, really? Not at all the athletic one, for sure.
I also remember that all he needed was you, Joyce. I probably shouldn't mention this next memory here in this guestbook, but you know me. I was visiting you and you were showing me around your house in Moreno Valley. I remember when we got to the master bedroom I commented on how small the bed was! It was a double mattress, not queen or king but double and I said to you . . . you both sleep here? I thought to myself no one is going to bed angry in this size bed! II hope that wasn't too much information! Smile girlfriend . . . Dennis loved you!
When the neighborhood had get togethers he wasn't inclined to go unless you could convince him. One time he did go and the neighbors played "The Newlywed Game" . . . definitely not his game of choice. I think that set him back for any future socializing.
What I mostly remember was Dennis and his love of barbequing . . . like nightly. He was a meat and potatoes kind of guy . . . don't do anything fancy . . . just give him his barbeque. If you had your way a salad would have sufficed!
That is what I remember about Dennis. Your marriage was a long one and I am sure the loss is tremendous. What an example you two set for Matt and April to strive to duplicate In their own relationships. My condolences to Matt, April and Alexa.
Love you, Joyce!
Marlene
Donald Moecker
March 23, 2013
Our prayers are with you.
Linda Miller
March 22, 2013
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 22, 2013
Dear Joyce, You are in our prayers and may God bless you and yours and
put his loving arms around you. With much love, Linda and Frank Koehler (Macdona, Texas)
Molly Valdez
March 22, 2013
I am thankful that Dennis touched many lives in meaningful ways, and that you had the opportunity to spend time with him before his passing. Our arms are around you and your family.
Sandy Roe
March 22, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dana Bickley
March 22, 2013
Joyce Sweet Joyce...you are in my thoughts constantly. Love you so much and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Julie Carreon Martinez
March 21, 2013
Dear Joyce, I send my condolences and prayers to you and your family. May the Lord Jesus Christ be your source of comfort, hope, and peace during this time. His love is amazing and without end. May His love for you and your family carry you through this time and the years to come until you see Jesus and your dear husband face to face in heaven. Love you lots!
Denise Watson
March 21, 2013
God has a plan for all of us. Sometimes we don't understand, but I know God loves us and He is holding onto the Stevens family and will be with you until you are all reunited one day. God bless you my dear friend Joyce. You are not alone. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt, April, Alexa and family.
Pat Garcia
March 20, 2013
Joyce, our condolences and prayers to you and your family. May God watch over you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Pat Garcia (San Antonio)
Ann Alexander
March 20, 2013
Joyce, My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. May your faith in God be your comfort through this and may you feel His arms surround you with His love.
Mary McBeth
March 20, 2013
Joyce,
We send our love to you and your family. Praying for comfort and rest -- and for you to feel God's closeness-
Susan Marron
March 20, 2013
Joyce,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your faith give you strength during this difficult time.
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