Col. Davis Stevenson, 85 passed away Feb. 24, 2016 at Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville Ga.. His family was present and lifted him in prayer as he passed.
Davis was the devoted husband of June Rowley Stevenson married for 61 years and the father of Davis R. Stevenson of Snellville Ga. and Lori Stevenson Snow of Lawrenceville GA.
Davis was born at home in Panama City, Panama to father Leigh Stevenson and mother Muffie Stevenson, both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him was his brother Sidney Stevenson.
The Stevensons moved often in the pre World War 2 years living in Panama City 1930-1936, Downers Grove Ill. 1936-1938, San Juan Puerto Rico 1938-1941 and finally back to Panama in 1941. He was home schooled by his mother until returning to Panama in 1941 when he attended the Canal Zone schools. He graduated from Balboa High School in 1950. He told me he was delayed in graduating due to his own inattention to his school work. After graduation from High School, Davis attended Canal Zone college for 1 term. School, however, was not his future.
After spending 6 months as a refrigerator repairman apprentice and a stint as a translator for the military mission section, he entered the US Army as an enlisted man. He graduated from Officers Candidate School in 1954 and shortly thereafter was married to June Adrienne Rowley on June 4, 1954. Steve (he answered to both Davis and Steve) was a qualified Army Paratrooper and served with the 508 Airborne. He also served with the 33 Regimental Combat team while in Panama. Davis spent 2 years in Paraguay in the 50’s as a member of the military mission to Paraguay. In 1957 Davis was posted to Ft. Knox, KY. He was released from active duty in 1958. Davis also graduated from the Command and General Staff College and retired as a Colonel.
Davis was a father by this time to his son, Davis R. Stevenson. A daughter followed in 1959, Lori Lee Stevenson. After discharge from active duty, Davis entered business in Panama. The family lived in Panama City until moving into the canal area in 1982.
Davis and June retired from Panama in 1989 to live in GA near their children and grandchildren. Davis started Condor Tours and Travel in the early 90’s when he perceived a need for a travel company in the United States with ties in Latin America. The company has flourished and is now run by his daughter, Lori Lee Stevenson Snow.
Davis was a past Potentate of the Abou Saud Shrine temple in Panama and had a life long devotion to the work of the Shriners.
Davis Stevenson is survived by his wife of 61 years, June Rowley Stevenson; son, Davis R. Stevenson and wife, Linda; daughter, Lori Stevenson Snow & husband, Virgil; grandchildren, Alexandria Nicole Snow, Nicholas Samuel Snow and Sara Ann Snow. He will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in memory of Col. Stevenson, to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.