Donald Read Stevens

Donald Read Stevens, Jr., 88, passed away January 21, 2010 at his home in Berrien Springs, MI Read was born to Donald Read and Lois Carver on July 4, 1921 in Akron, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Ridgewood, New Jersey. After graduating from New York Military Academy, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served on the submarine USS Blenny as a Lieutenant during World War II. In 1949, he married Jean Lambert, who preceded him in death in 1981. His siblings, Carver Stevens, and Lois Carver, preceded him in death. He later married Marilyn Carlson. They enjoyed over 27 years of life together. In 1955, Read accepted a job offer from National Standard and moved his family to a house on the St. Joseph River that he would enjoy for the next 55 years. He generously shared his intellect and love of nature, travel, flying, good wine, gardening, and life in New Zealand, his part time home. He volunteered his time with the Lions Club, Berrien County Cancer Service, Berrien Courthouse Museum, Red Cross, and as a pilot for the Air Life Line. He was fondly known as “Granddaddy” to his twelve grandchildren. He loved to play Russian Bank, sing “Dirty Bill” and tell them wild stories. Read is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; two sons, Donald R. (Kay) Stevens III, of Winter Springs, FL, and Peter Lambert (Nancy) Stevens, of Albany Park, NY; stepchildren John (Pam) Carlson of Sawyer, Denise (Ronald) Starks, of Stevensville, Richard (Kellie) Carlson of Kalamazoo, and Janet (Robert) Beemer, of St. Joseph, and twelve loving grandchildren. His family is comforted in knowing that his memory and spirit will live on through the lives that he touched. A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at his home on 11297 Red Bud Trail, Berrien Springs. Visitation with the family will be held from 2:00pm – 4:00 pm also on Sunday. The arrangements are being handled by Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to sign the memory book online may do so at www.stark-menchinger.com.