Mr. Stevens was born August 18, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, to Lester Webb and Ruth Ann Stevens. Growing up in Michigan, he was a second generation Eagle Scout and a life guard in his teen years. He served as a life guard at the town pool in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, which later became the place of the family’s summer time home.
Mr. Stevens attended the University of Kansas earning a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Mr. Stevens married the former Betty Ruth Neumann of Waco, Texas. The couple moved to Winter Park in 1960 when Mr. Stevens was working for Martin Marietta Corporation. After fourteen years with Martin, he founded his own engineering and consulting company, Stevens Engineering. He earned a M.B.A. from Rollin College in 1965.
Mr. Stevens was deeply involved in civic and community life over five decades in Winter Park. During those years, he served at various times as president of the Brookshire Elementary P.T.A; President of the Winter Park Little League; Founder of the Winter Park Powder Puff Softball League; and was a Director of the Winter Park High School Band Boosters. He was responsible for many civic projects and recreational facilities including personally building backstops and field locations. Members of the Stevens family earned two more Eagle ranks in Boy Scout troop 614 and were honored as a three generation Eagle Scout family. He was a long time member and usher at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando.
Mr. Stevens served three terms on the Winter Park City Commission from 1972 to 1981 and was involved in many city projects that shaped the Winter Park that is loved and appreciated by so many. Of particular note was Mr. Stevens’ advocacy for the Winter Park Public Library located on East New England Avenue, funding of Bike Paths in Winter Park, and acquisition of the old Train Depot on West New England that is now the popular Farmer’s Market. He spearheaded adoption of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in Winter Park and fought for the preservation of trees in the “City of Trees” and green spaces long before these were popular causes.
Mr. Stevens enjoyed Railroad history and especially loved the family’s summer home in the community of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. For nearly forty years, Mr. Steven led family gatherings in Colorado and contributed to community life and beautification in that town.
Mr. Stevens is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Ruth; son Douglas (Cindy); daughter Linda Cowart (Mark); daughter Ann Hoy (Jeff); son, Michael (Jennifer); son, John (Ann); eighteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening, October 27, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M at the Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home 1350 West Fairbanks Ave. A memorial service will celebrate the life and faith of Mr. Stevens on Thursday, October 28 at 11:00 A.M. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1603 E. Winter Park Rd. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
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