Sgt. Donald James Stevens (ret) of New York, passed away late in the evening of August 4, 2004 at his home on the lower east side, surrounded by family and friends.

     A former councilman and elder at the First Baptist Church, Donald was always active in the community whether it be working on a political campaign, volunteering at the homeless shelter, or through the local Lyons Club.

     Donald leaves behind a daughter Stephanie Stevens, a son Donald A. Stevens, and 6 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Norma Whitfield Stevens.

     Donald was born in Salem Oregon on April 12, 1923 to Emma Jane Stevens and Alfred Stevens. Donald’s father Alfred was a Captain in the navy and Donald spent much of his youth overseas. The family returned to Salem in when Donald was 16, where he graduated from Salem High School in 1941.

     Donald enlisted in the Marines in 1941 and served Honorably in WWII and was a veteran of the Normandy invasion. Donald Retired from the Marine Corps in 1960 and opened a hardware/hobby shop in New York City. It was in New York where Donald met his wife Norma, and where they raised their family.