Lucas Edward Stevens

Lucas Edward Stevens, 55, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away at his home on May 20, 2013.

Born February 20, 1958, in Miami, FL, Dr. Stevens was inspired by his own orthodontist and worked for him in high school. He grew up around the water and won many water skiing championships in the 1970s. Having found his “calling” for orthodontics at an early age, he completed his pre-dental studies at the University of Florida in two years, spent his third year of college in Europe as an exchange student, and then entered dental school at the University of Florida. Graduating at the top of his class, he then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his orthodontic education where he received his Masters of Science in Dentistry and Certificate in Orthodontics.

Realizing that Florida was his home, he returned to allow Dr. Irving Fleet, Tallahassee’s first orthodontist, the opportunity to retire in 1986. Dr. Stevens was blessed to have been married to Valorie since 1986. Together they raised three extraordinary children: Austin, Cody, and Emily.

He was involved in his church, particularly as a medical missionary in Panajachel, Guatemala, and served as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was a martial artist (third-degree black belt in taekwondo) and was fond of aviation (private pilot), scuba diving, snow skiing, and snowboarding. His hobbies included computers, reading, and tinkering with his car.

Dr. Stevens was highly involved in organized dentistry, being President of the Leon County Dental Association and the Northwest District (of Florida) Dental Association. He also served as President of the Florida Association of Orthodontists.

Since 1995, Dr. Stevens had been involved in the graduate orthodontic program at the University of Florida as a Clinical Assistant Professor. While primarily involved in the clinical training of future orthodontists, he also lectured to the residents in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program at the University of Florida and Shands – Jacksonville. In 1996, Dr. Stevens became the first orthodontist in Tallahassee history to become certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists.

As an orthodontist, Dr. Stevens always considered himself fortunate to work with the many outstanding dentists and dental specialists in Tallahassee, as well as his highly experienced and talented team. He strove tirelessly to think of each patient as a member of his family and carefully considered what constituted the best treatment for each individual. mHis dedication to both his craft and his family was second to none.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Robinson Stevens, Miami, FL.

He is survived by his wife, Valorie Lynn Stevens (née Young); sons, Austin Eugene Stevens and Cody Jackson Stevens; daughter, Emily Brooke Stevens; father, Harold Eugene Stevens, Miami, FL; his brothers, Larry Paul Stevens, Miami, FL and Lee Frederick Stevens, Ocala, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation/gathering of family and friends will be held in his honor on Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Culley’s Meadow Wood Funeral Home on Timberlane Rd. A Memorial Service will be held on May 24, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Porch de Salomon (porchdesalomon.org) or the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation (www.s4L.org).