Duke Wm. Stevens Sr.

Our Lord called home his faithful and loving servant, Duke William Stevens, Sr on October 27, 2021 at the age of 68. He was born February 7, 1953 to Ramona and Duke Carver. By the time Duke was five, his mother had remarried William R. Stevens. William was the only father figure Duke had, so he elected to change his name to Stevens once he was of age. As a little boy, Duke’s parents knew he was precocious, extremely smart and had a wild side it seemed no one could tame, so they enrolled him into San Antonio Academy. There he thrived. He embraced the academics, resisted the discipline and made lifelong friends. Next, Duke and some of those friends continued on to Texas Military Institute. In addition to excelling in high school sports, Duke was the #1 ranked water skier in a six state region (incl. Texas) and ranked #10 in the nation. Then came college which consisted of two years at Washington & Lee University followed by two years and a B.A. degree from Texas A&M University. While at A&M Duke married his first wife and had a son, Duke W Stevens, Jr. In fact, Duke carried his 2 month old infant son Duke Jr across the graduation stage at A&M.

After college, Duke returned home to San Antonio and quickly emerged as a real estate rock star. He continued building his business career and spent as much time as he could with his son Duke Jr. They traveled the world hunting and fishing on four continents and most states in his beloved USA. Later, Duke and his son would partner and manage their real estate holdings.

During the late 1970’s Duke met the love of his life, Mary Ann and married her as quick as he could. She was a perfect match for him and they enjoyed 42 years of marriage. They were two peas in a pod and supported each other thru life’s ups and downs. The loss of their infant son Andrew brought Duke and Mary Ann closer than ever and established an unbreakable bond between them. Soon after, their daughter Kara came along and Duke and Mary Ann were whole again. Duke enjoyed having 35 years with his daughter. Kara has kept Duke busy thru school sports and a later segway into the music business. Duke and Kara have spent the last several years focused on Kara’s music career and have almost completed a private music studio for her to write and produce in. He said “once completed the sky’s the limit for Kara in the music biz.”

Duke was in the commercial real estate business for 46 years and considered himself part of the “old guard.” He was very proud of his “deal list” which he considered the resume of his life’s work. However, his life’s work was far more dynamic than just family real estate. He started several small businesses including his favorite, Recycled Sports. In 2002 Duke sold Recycled Sports to focus on family real estate interests with his son Duke Jr. Together for the past 20 years, Duke and Duke Jr own, manage and lease commercial shopping centers in an around San Antonio.

Duke was always giving back to his community and has sat on the boards and/or steering committees of such entities as the Methodist Hospital, Rotary International, SA Sports Foundation, World Affairs Council, several museums and two art institute’s, SA Safari Club, SA Livestock Exposition, SA Zoo and two churches. He is listed in the Who’s Who in the South and Southwest. Perhaps most important and by far his favorite endeavor, was his volunteerism and membership in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. In that time he has volunteered over 20,000 hours of service, holds 9 certifications, received over 40 awards, citations and commendations. He was named Auxiliarist of the Year for his flotilla 7 times and Auxiliarist of the Year for his division twice.

Duke was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church Alamo Heights, was a member of Concordia Lutheran church for 30 years and has spent the last 25 years attending weekly bible study with The Reverend Chuck Woehler (Ret. Rector) and his friends at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in San Antonio.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents and infant son Andrew Michael Stevens. Those left behind are his beloved wife Mary Ann, son Duke Jr (Maura), daughter Kara and grandchildren Duke W Stevens, III and Lauren Stevens.

A chapel service and burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Park

1701 Austin Hwy

On Tuesday November 9 at 10:00am

Duke requested that in lieu of flowers that friends and family should gather with their loved ones and go out to dinner.