Don was born in Ironton, Ohio on March 3rd, 1935, to proud parents, Pastor George Ellis Stevens and Sarah Jane Stevens (Marrs). Along with brothers and sisters Pauline, Patsy, Pansy, Lillian, Jewel, Bill, Jay, and Bonnie, the Stevens family enjoyed a humble and hard-working life in Quaker Hollow near Dunbar, West Virginia. Don and his siblings lost both parents who died three weeks apart. Don was only 14 years old.
Don enlisted into the United States Air Force on his 18th birthday in 1953. He began his military career in the Air Police career field (now USAF Security Forces) before re-training into the Physical Conditioning career field where he coached Air Force boxing teams to numerous victories. Don also trained two-time Light Welter-weight World Boxing Champion, Aaron Pryor, and was an accomplished Judo Sensei before retiring from the Air Force in 1973.
A man of strong faith, Don loved all people and strived to follow the generosity, love, and example of Jesus Christ. Devoted, he was known for completing 200 pushups and reading four chapters of The Bible each night. A proud Veteran and Patriot, Don believed in the values of our American Constitutional Republic and displayed the American and POW flag every day. Donald L. Stevens Sr. went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2024.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Don is survived by his beloved wife, Hanh Stevens; sons Don Stevens Jr., Tommy Nguyen, Phu Nguyen, and Bao Nguyen; daughters Ngoc Nguyen and Chi Nguyen; daughters-in-law, Julie Stevens, Jenny Dinh, and Nhung Truong; son-in-law Minh Phan; and grandchildren, Jimmy Nguyen, Tony Nguyen, Phuong Tran, Annie Nguyen, Alex Nguyen, Moon Phan; and great grandson, Anthony Le.
For those sending floral arrangements please have them delivered to Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Northern Kentucky Chapel, 4350 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 by 1:00 pm Sunday, January 7th, 2024.
To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.