Donald “Don” E. Stevens, 80, of Pierre, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Funeral Service: 10:00am, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at New Life Assembly of God

Interment: Riverside Cemetery

If you are unable to attend Don’s Funeral Service, click HERE to watch online.

Donald “Don” E. Stevens, son of Helen E. Newman and Donald R. Stevens was born February 5, 1943 in Pierre, SD. He passed away from heart disease, on February 14, 2023 at St. Mary’s Hospital at the age of 80.

Don was a survivor who faced many ups and downs throughout his life. Don spent most of his growing up years in Oklahoma. As the eldest child, when Don was 13-14 years of age, he served as caretaker for his three younger siblings for a period of time.

He attended Star Spencer High School and excelled in the many activities in which he was involved. Don participated in football, track, student council (where he was elected treasurer), speech club, journalism, and was elected junior and senior class president. Don loved football and served as captain of his team, was an All-State football player and was selected “Lineman of the Year” as a senior.

Don received a football scholarship to Oklahoma University his freshman year, where he excelled as he studied marketing. During his junior and senior years, Don attended the University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While attending college, Don enlisted in the Navy Reserves on March 10, 1960 and was called to active-duty June 25, 1962, CO, Naval Reserve Manpower Center, Bainbridge, Maryland. Completing the four years of his service on April 11, 1964 from the U.S Naval Station, Long Beach, California and on the USS Ajax, he was released from active military service with the rank of E-4.

Don excelled in sales and marketing in the technology industry during the time when computer technology was in its infancy. He worked as a sales engineer and served as VP of Sales/Marketing of Kent Electronics as well as other electronics and technology companies in the Silicon Valley area. In his years in Pierre, SD, Don worked for Pierre Flower Shop, delivering smiles and love to the community. After the loss of Pierre Flower Shop, Don continued working, helping friends and others in the community.

Don spent much of his adult life in Southern California, but upon accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior, his priorities changed and he returned to his birthplace of Pierre, South Dakota. Here, Don built a life centered on serving his Lord. He immediately became involved with the Assembly of God in Pierre which became his home and extended family. Don served others in a myriad of ways. He had a great compassion for serving those in need both at home and afar. He was dedicated to fulfilling needs wherever and to whomever he could. This often meant prayer, sponsorship, donations, or manual labor. Honoring his Lord was evidenced in the way he lived his life and how he treated those around him with a strong belief that life was a precious gift from God. His heart always showed his passion for the sanctity of life.

While Don didn’t have children of his own, he was loved by many family members who survive him, including his two brothers: Robert (Jody) Stevens and Bruce Stevens; one sister, Roberta (Stanley) Newman, former wife Karen Jackson, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece Crystal Kayan Robinson-Brown, and sister-in-law Roberta Dickinson-Stevens.

He was known as a soft spoken, selfless, big hearted, Godly man.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13 NASB1995

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials be directed to Sunshine Bible Academy.

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